Frances Akello: Ex-LEGCO member turns to turmeric farming after pension struggles

Despite her years of service in the Legislative Council and as a tutor at St Mary’s Teachers College in Bukedea for 30 years, Akello has been unable to access her retirement package, forcing her to seek alternative means of support.

Frances Akello, an 88-year-old former member of Uganda's Legislative Council (Legco) during the colonial era from 1960 to 1961, has turned to turmeric farming to meet her daily needs after failing to receive her pension benefits.

Despite her years of service in the Legislative Council and as a tutor at St Mary’s Teachers College in Bukedea for 30 years, Akello has been unable to access her retirement package, forcing her to seek alternative means of support.

Rather than succumb to despair, Akello chose to stay active and productive. Three years ago, after receiving a Social Assistance Grant for Elders (SAGE), she decided to invest in turmeric cultivation.

This decision has provided her with a steady income and has kept her engaged and healthy, helping her avoid the social isolation and health challenges often associated with old age.

“I decided to plough the SAGE funds into turmeric farming to keep myself busy and maintain my health. When I went for my first package, I heard other elder women talking about turmeric,” says Akello.

She has since learned to process the turmeric into powder, which she sells locally. In addition to turmeric, Akello grows vegetables such as tomatoes, sukuma wiki (collard greens), and eggplants, earning Shs10,000 daily from her sales.

Akello’s contributions to her community go beyond farming. She is a founding member of non-governmental organisations like the Teso Peace Initiative (TIP), Teso Anti-Corruption Coalition (TAC), and Teso Safe Motherhood.

Despite her financial struggles, Akello remains committed to her community and plans to establish a foundation to educate people, particularly elders, on the benefits of nutritional feeding and leading a purposeful life in old age.

Dr John Angiro, a physician at Eastern Division Health Centre III in Soroti City, emphasizes the importance of staying active in old age.

“What matters in later life is regular exercise and a good diet,” he says. “As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to disease, and our energy levels decrease. Elders in rural areas who consume natural foods tend to remain strong.”

Akello’s story is a testament to resilience and the importance of staying active and engaged, even in the face of adversity.

Through her farming and community involvement, she not only sustains herself but also inspires others to live a fulfilling life in old age.