The Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection has called on the government to increase funding for older persons, lower the eligibility age for the Senior Citizens Grant (SAGE) from 80 to 65 years, and raise the monthly cash transfer from Shs25,000 to Shs35,000. This appeal was made as Uganda marked the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, 2026, under the theme "Ageing with Dignity, Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons."
Gloria Nakajubi, who works with the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection, commended the government for interventions aimed at improving the welfare of older persons, particularly the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE). She noted that the program has had a positive impact not only on beneficiaries but also on the households in which they live. However, Nakajubi emphasized that the gains made through social protection programs must be matched with adequate financing if older Ugandans are to live with dignity.
The proposed expansion of SAGE remains unfunded, with Parliament reporting a Shs252 billion funding gap. The Minister of State for Gender, Older Persons, Jacqueline Mbabazi, told Parliament that Cabinet had approved the progressive reduction of the eligibility age from 80 to 65, but implementation could not begin without the required funding. Currently, the government provides eligible older persons with a monthly SAGE grant of Shs25,000.
Nakajubi urged the government to prioritize the funding of the proposed expansion as preparations for the 2027/28 financial year budget continue. She argued that increased investment in social protection would help address the economic vulnerabilities faced by older persons and other groups that depend on social assistance. Beyond cash transfers, Nakajubi called for deliberate investment in specialized healthcare for older persons.
Nakajubi emphasized the importance of specialized services at lower-level health facilities, where many older persons first seek medical attention. She urged the Ministry of Health to introduce and strengthen training for health workers in geriatric care and gerontology, arguing that older persons require healthcare services tailored to their specific needs. Her call comes amid concerns raised in Parliament about Uganda's limited capacity in geriatric healthcare.
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development's service charter states that the existing eligibility threshold for SAGE is 80 years and above. Nakajubi also urged the government to fast-track the National Health Insurance Scheme Bill, describing health insurance as an important mechanism for improving access to timely and quality healthcare. Many older persons, like other Ugandans, lack health insurance and therefore face difficulties meeting healthcare costs.
The debate on expanding SAGE and improving healthcare for older persons comes against the backdrop of global efforts to strengthen care and support systems for ageing populations. The United Nations has emphasized the importance of people-centred care systems that respect the dignity, autonomy, and preferences of older persons while supporting both formal and informal caregivers.
Key points
- The Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection is pushing for the expansion of SAGE to 65 years and an increase in the monthly grant to Shs35,000.
- The proposed expansion of SAGE remains unfunded due to a Shs252 billion funding gap.
- The forum is also calling for specialized healthcare for older persons, including training for health workers in geriatric care and gerontology.
