On October 2, 2026, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni hosted Uganda's celebrations to mark the International Day of Older Persons at State House, Entebbe. The event, held under the theme "Ageing with Dignity; Strengthening Care and Support Systems," aimed to promote understanding, respect, and support for ageing populations. President Museveni emphasized the need for a comprehensive policy to address the unique needs of older persons in Uganda.
President Museveni highlighted the importance of family, wealth, and a home in supporting older persons. He noted that elders have traditionally been supported by their families, wealth, and homes, and that these pillars should be strengthened. The President also emphasized the need for honesty and mutual respect in family relations involving older persons, and cautioned against children disrespecting their parents and attempting to manipulate inheritance.
The President expressed concern about the lack of specialized healthcare for older persons and proposed the introduction of geriatricians in every district. He suggested that the government provide scholarships to doctors to study and specialize in geriatrics, and emphasized the importance of physical exercise in healthy ageing. President Museveni also disclosed that he exercises regularly, including running and doing push-ups.
On economic empowerment, President Museveni defended the inclusion of older persons in the Parish Development Model (PDM), despite concerns about their ability to repay loans. He encouraged older persons to invest in activities such as goat rearing, which have fewer physical work demands. The President also acknowledged calls to lower the eligibility age for the Senior Citizens Grant (SAGE) from 80 to 65 years and increase the monthly payment.
Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, congratulated older persons on the day and thanked President Museveni for policies that have contributed to improvements in life expectancy. She noted that older persons have played a vital role in preserving cultural traditions and improving the economy, and commended the President for promoting their representation in leadership.
Minister of State for Older Persons, Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi, thanked President Museveni for hosting the national commemoration and emphasized the importance of enabling older persons to participate in decisions affecting their lives. She noted that over 1.6 million older persons are breadwinners and appealed to everyone to clear the misconception that most older persons are just dependents.
The Chairperson of the National Council for Older Persons, Ms. Ann Muhindo, thanked President Museveni for recognizing older persons as a special interest group under the Constitution. She commended government programs such as SAGE and PDM and welcomed the proposal to lower the SAGE eligibility age from 80 to 65 years.
Key points
- President Museveni proposes introducing geriatricians in every district to provide specialized healthcare for older persons.
- The government faces competing financial priorities in considering calls to lower the eligibility age for the Senior Citizens Grant (SAGE) from 80 to 65 years.
- Over 1.6 million older persons in Uganda are breadwinners, contributing to national development and upholding cultural values.
