Jinja's senior citizens are making their voices heard on two key issues: the upcoming national census and the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
Active Census Participation Urged:
As Uganda prepares for its 2024 population and housing census, State Minister for Older Persons Hon. Mafabi Gidudu addressed elderly residents in Jinja City Hall. He emphasized the importance of their participation, highlighting how accurate data will help the government plan for their needs.
"Knowing the exact number of older persons is crucial," Gidudu stated. "This will allow for proper planning and ensure they benefit from government programs."
Benefits Tied to Census Data:
Hon. Waako Joy Peggy, the National Member of Parliament representing Older Persons, echoed the minister's message. She stressed the importance of being counted to access the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) program.
"SAGE provides financial assistance specifically for older persons, but we need accurate data to determine who qualifies," Peggy explained.
Challenges Faced by Seniors:
Peggy acknowledged the difficulties faced by some elderly individuals. "Sickness may prevent them from traveling to collect SAGE funds," she noted. "A thorough census with detailed information can help address these issues."
Advocacy for Increased Support:
Peggy is also pushing for an increase in the SAGE stipend. "Considering rising costs, the current amount needs to be adjusted to better support beneficiaries," she said.
Lowering PDM Eligibility Age:
During the meeting, Jinja's older residents presented another request – a reduction in the minimum age for the Special Enterprise Grant (part of the PDM initiative). Currently, only those 80 and above qualify. They propose lowering the eligibility to 65-70 years.
Challenges with PDM Repayment:
"Some of us received PDM funds but are struggling to repay them due to our age and health limitations," a representative of the seniors explained. "We're past our prime earning years, so repayment becomes difficult."
Seeking a Flexible Approach:
They urged the government to reconsider the eligibility age for PDM funds, including the Special Enterprise Grant. They believe accessing these funds at a younger, healthier age would allow them to be more productive and ensure successful repayment.
Jinja's elderly population is actively advocating for their needs to be addressed. Their participation in the census is crucial for accurate data collection, and their request for a more inclusive PDM program highlights the need for flexible government policies that cater to the specific challenges faced by senior citizens.
