Elderly beneficiaries of the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) in Kabale District have called on government to lower the eligibility age from 80 years and increase the monthly Shs25,000 cash transfer, saying the current arrangement limits the programme’s impact.
The appeal was made during a SAGE assessment exercise held in Rubaya Sub-county, Ndorwa West in Kabale District.
Jack Bagire, 91, from Busangano A Village in Rubaya Sub-county, said many older persons are excluded during the most active phase of their lives and only become eligible when they are too frail to benefit meaningfully.
“By the time we qualify, we are too old to fully benefit. People are still energetic and can invest at a younger age,” Bagire said.
Other beneficiaries, including Philimon Benard, 96, and Gurancy Tibitubuka, said the monthly Shs25,000 support has been eroded by rising transport costs and the high prices of basic commodities.
SAGE mobilizer in Kabale District, Judith Asiimwe, said implementation challenges, including lack of transport and communication facilitation, have made it difficult to reach elderly beneficiaries in remote areas.
“The programme does not provide facilitation for transport or communication, making it difficult to reach beneficiaries,” Asiimwe said.
She added that some beneficiaries spend a significant portion of the grant on transport costs to access payment points, reducing its intended impact on household welfare.
Kabale District SAGE Focal Person Moses Amkapurira said the assessment indicated that the programme has improved the welfare of older persons, but acknowledged gaps in coverage. He said unregistered elderly persons who have reached 80 years will be enrolled in the next financial year.
SAGE Operations Officer for the South Western Region, Anthony Atwebembire, said the concerns raised had been documented and would be submitted to the relevant authorities for consideration.
The Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) provides a monthly stipend of Shs25,000 to older persons aged 80 years and above to support basic needs and improve social protection for vulnerable elderly citizens.
