Elderly persons and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Rwenzori region are steadily breaking the cycle of poverty, thanks to two government livelihood initiatives — the National Special Grant (NSG) for older persons and the Special Enterprise Grant for Persons with Disabilities (SEGOP).
The two programs, launched by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) in 2019, aim to empower older persons aged 60 to 79 and people with disabilities by providing funds to start income-generating projects.
Each district initially received Shs15 million in the 2019/2020 financial year, while the PWD grant component was rolled out in 2022/2023.
For many beneficiaries, the impact has been life-changing.
Yustina Mugisha, 72, a resident of Rwenjaza Parish in Kitagwenda District, said she had no stable income before joining the Rwenjaza Elderly Group.
“Before this initiative, I could hardly afford my basic needs,” she said. “But when I received Shs1 million, I bought three pigs and a cow. The pigs reproduced, and I sold the piglets to start a poultry business. Now I sell piglets and eggs, which earn me enough to meet my needs.”
Similarly, in Bundibugyo District, Johnson Baluku, Secretary of the Ntandi Disability Group Association, said teamwork and planning helped them grow their goat-rearing business.
“Our group received Shs5 million and invested it in goats,” he said. “We started with 10, and within a year they had multiplied to 18, then to 28. We later sold 14 goats for Shs5.3 million, bought a motorcycle through a loan scheme, and saved the rest in our SACCO.”
Another beneficiary, Saforoza Kalibate, Treasurer of Bunyimbere Central Abalema Palm Oil Sellers in Nyawuka Town Council, said the support had restored her confidence.
“As a disabled person, I never thought I could run a business. This initiative has given me dignity,” she said.
In Ntoroko District, Edson Bamunoba of the Babasindagizi Elders Group said their group invested Shs5 million in cocoa trading, which now helps members meet family needs like school fees and medical bills.
Local leaders in the region have praised the program but urged the government to increase funding.
Prime Birungi, the Senior Community Development Officer for Kamwenge District, said her office provides continuous monitoring and technical support.
“We help the groups choose viable enterprises and guide them throughout, but the funding is still too low given the high demand,” she said.
Nicholus Rugumayo, Chairperson for Older Persons in Kitagwenda District, echoed the same concern. “Many elderly people who started with goat rearing have now bought cows. The challenge is that the money is too little to reach everyone who qualifies,” he said.
According to Christine Opio, the Rwenzori Regional Program Coordinator for Older Persons and PWDs at MGLSD, monitoring has shown encouraging results.
“From the districts we have visited, the initiative is doing well. Most beneficiaries have used the funds as intended,” she said, adding that verification procedures have been strengthened to ensure accountability.
Opio urged more eligible people to apply through their sub-county offices, noting that a National ID is required.
Recent statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2024 Census show that Uganda has 5.5 million persons with disabilities — 13.2 percent of the population — up from 4.4 million in 2014.
The elderly (aged 60 and above) make up 5 percent of Uganda’s 46 million people, equivalent to 2.3 million individuals.
In the Rwenzori region alone, there are 60,274 older persons out of a household population of about 1.2 million.
Despite limited resources, the success stories emerging across the region demonstrate that with targeted support, Uganda’s elderly and persons with disabilities can lead productive, independent, and dignified lives.