The HelpAge Advocacy Network Uganda (HANU) has launched a nationwide grassroots movement aimed at strengthening access to healthcare for older persons, unveiling district-level action plans to hold government accountable for its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) commitments.
The launch took place on Thursday at the Reach a Hand Uganda head office in Lungujja to mark Universal Health Coverage Day, bringing together civil society advocates, older persons, community health workers and government officials.
The initiative follows a four-day capacity-strengthening exercise implemented in partnership with HelpAge International under the SCORE Programme.
A total of 60 advocates drawn from Mukono, Kampala and Wakiso districts were trained in evidence-based advocacy, documentation and community mobilisation to champion healthcare access for older persons.
HANU Board Chairperson Arthur Namara Araali said the movement responds to a growing crisis facing older Ugandans, many of whom struggle to afford basic healthcare.
“Uganda’s UHC service coverage index stands at just 44 per cent, while out-of-pocket health expenditure is as high as 41 per cent,” Araali said.
“Older persons are being forced to choose between medicine and food, between treatment and rent. These advocates are now equipped, organised and ready to demand accountability so that Uganda delivers on its UHC commitments.”
According to HANU, the health sector currently receives about 7.2 per cent of the national budget, well below the 15 per cent target set under the Abuja Declaration, leaving vulnerable groups exposed to high healthcare costs.
Senior government officials attending the event announced measures aimed at improving income security for older persons, which is seen as a key determinant of health access.
Patrick Menya, the Principal Gerontologist at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, said government had revised the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE).
“The SAGE grant for older persons has been increased from Shs25,000 to Shs30,000, and the eligibility age has been reduced from 85 years to 65 years starting in the 2026/2027 financial year,” Menya said.
He also highlighted the Social Enterprise Grant for Older Persons, which provides Shs5 million to groups of older persons to support income-generating activities.
The Ministry of Health also signalled support for the advocacy agenda. Dr Moses Muwanga, head of the Community and Elderly Department, said government was working to strengthen specialised services for older persons.
“The older persons’ clinic is running in Mulago, and we now want to establish similar clinics in regional referral hospitals,” Dr Muwanga said, adding that data on older persons has been integrated into national health reporting tools and community health worker training.
The newly launched District Action Plans focus on engaging local leaders, documenting cases where older persons are denied care, and building coalitions with civil society organisations ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
HANU Vice Chairperson Kezia Abenakyo Mukasa said the movement would prioritise community-level primary healthcare, sustainable financing for age-related health services and improved income security for older Ugandans.
For community-based advocates, the initiative marks a turning point. Sarah Ddungu Ibaale, a Village Health Team member from Entebbe, said the training had empowered her to move from concern to action.
“Now I know how to engage leaders, document challenges and demand accountability,” she said. “We have action plans, evidence and a network behind us.”
HANU said the campaign will run through 2026, culminating in a major national mobilisation during World Health Day in March next year.
