Gen. (RTD) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda, has vowed to enhance support for the elderly, with the intention of ensuring they can live with dignity in both social and economic dimensions.
President Museveni who was represented by his vice president, Retired Major Jessica Alupo, highlighted the importance of the four-acre model, which he believes can provide a safeguard against poverty and address the challenges faced by older individuals.
This commitment was articulated in his speech for the International Day of Older Persons, which carried the theme: “Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Older Persons, Everyone’s Responsibility Because Aging is not optional.”
The national celebrations were held today, October 1, 2024, at Masaka Liberation Square in Masaka City.
“In Greater Masaka here, this model is applicable and has been tested. Let us embrace it to immunize and cure the disease called poverty, including old age poverty. Where applicable, let us allocate the 4 acres to coffee, fruits, food crops and zero grazing for dairy cattle, poultry, fish (and piggery for non-Muslims). Then slowly, we can chase away household poverty in our country,” he noted.
Museveni stated that it is the reason the government resolved to provide older individuals with access to shs1 million from the Parish Development Model (PDM), alongside the Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP), to facilitate the implementation of this 4-acre initiative.
He said this initiative complements other ongoing government efforts designed to alleviate poverty through various programs.
He also mentioned that the government is developing a system to offer additional support to caretakers through the PDM.
“For Older Persons above 80 years, apart from the shs75, 000 that is given quarterly, we are working out a mechanism for the care takers to get extra support through the Parish Development model. The Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development has been tasked to register care takers of Older Persons above 80 years, so that they are prioritized for top ups under the Parish Development model,” the President noted.
He stressed that only a caring and people centered government like NRM can deliver such Social protection benefits.
“Let us appreciate these transformations. Because, before NRM came to power, these Grants to Older Persons used to be dreams, and only researchers were reading about them in first world countries, now social pensions to Older Persons are a reality here in Uganda,” Museveni said.
Revision of Older Persons
The President emphasized that, in line with this year’s theme focused on the protection of rights for Older Persons, the government has instructed the Office of the Attorney General to amend the Older Persons bill to ensure robust safeguards for this demographic.
Key considerations include ensuring respect and special attention for older individuals at all public service delivery points, as well as establishing regulations for facilities that care for Older Persons.
Additional measures will involve mandatory training for age care specialists and legal protections against adult children over the age of 25 who may unlawfully seize their parents’ assets, among other provisions aimed at upholding the rights and dignity of older individuals.
“I want to re-echo the issue of intergenerational friction, where pockets of the young generation tend to disrespect the older persons, hence causing disunity in homes and communities over control of land and other assets,” he noted.
He pointed out that this situation poses a threat to healthy aging, as it fosters stress and depression, which negatively impact the older population.
He called for the enhancement of the intergenerational dividend by preserving positive cultural values and working collaboratively to establish peaceful and supportive communities where elderly individuals are treated with love and respect.
President Museveni recognized the efforts of development partners, including the Government of Ireland, UKAID, UNICEF, the World Bank, and the World Food Programme, for their steadfast support of the nation’s social protection initiatives.
“Let us join hands by designing more programmes to fulfil our obligations to full decent and dignified ageing, by investing in studies and implementation of models that are more sustainable,” he added.
He also recognized the significant role that older individuals have played in the advancement of our nation.
“Our theme key message that “Ageing is not optional,” is about you and me doing self-reflection. We must do the right things that guarantee respect and dignity for our Older Persons, because today it’s our elders in their 80s, tomorrow it’s you, who will badly need respect and care,” he added.
Museveni pointed out six essential areas of focus for the needs of older persons to ensure a dignified aging process and increased longevity.
These areas include Lifestyle, Nutrition, Engagement in Activities, Physical Exercise, Social Interaction, and a Reliable Income.
He cautioned that older individuals should avoid negative lifestyle choices such as excessive drinking, smoking, infidelity, and substance abuse, as these can significantly weaken the immune system. The President highlighted the critical importance of healthy eating habits for all age groups, especially for the elderly.
“Let us avoid oily foods, let us minimise sugar and substitute it with honey, let us go back to our rich local dishes such as millet, cassava, vegetables and fruits. They are not only healthy, but also highly nutritious and affordable,” he noted.
He recommended that they find ways to stay busy, such as looking after one or two cows or goats in the compound, playing with and attending to children, making crafts, and exercising to maintain their fitness, explaining that these activities can help mitigate the risk of various noncommunicable diseases.
He underscored that a lack of activity in the body is a significant risk factor for conditions associated with aging.
“Every morning and evening, let us embrace simple walking and other exercises to keep the body active. We can also declare a day for exercises in a week, so that we guide community leaders to enforce and monitor active ageing practices, through Parish development model pillar on health and mind-set change,” he added.
Museveni pointed out that to prevent feelings of isolation and neglect, older adults should maintain close relationships with their spouses or extended family members, as this can help mitigate stress. He further advised that it is crucial for seniors to prioritize retirement planning to avoid the risk of living in poverty.
