The newly elected Older Persons Committee in Kayunga District has been sworn into office, with leaders pledging to advocate for improved welfare, healthcare access and stronger government support for elderly people across the district.
The new committee is led by Heron Nantege as chairperson, with David Mayanja as vice chairperson, Charles Owori as secretary, Hassan Mutinda in charge of publicity, and Dan Mutebe Kagoda among the committee members.
The outgoing committee was led by David Mafaabi as chairperson, with Heron Nantege serving as vice chairperson, Sam Wannyama as secretary, and Abdu Mwendapoole as treasurer, among other members.
During the swearing-in ceremony, both outgoing and incoming leaders highlighted challenges affecting older persons, including inadequate financial support, limited access to healthcare services and exclusion from some government programmes.
“We are still facing many challenges as older persons, especially when it comes to financial support and access to health services. Many of our people are left out of programmes that are meant to improve their lives,” one of the leaders said.
The incoming committee chairperson called on the government to increase the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) from the current Shs25,000 to at least Shs50,000, arguing that the existing amount is insufficient due to the rising cost of living.
“The current SAGE grant of Shs25,000 is no longer enough. We are asking government to increase it to at least Shs50,000 so that older persons can better cope with the rising cost of living,” the chairperson said.
The leaders also appealed for special bursary opportunities for children and grandchildren under the care of elderly persons, noting that many older people struggle to support dependants due to limited sources of income.
“Many elderly people are taking care of children and grandchildren, yet they have very little income. We are appealing for special bursaries to help these dependants stay in school,” another leader said.
The outgoing chairperson urged the new committee to remain united and work closely with district authorities to ensure the concerns of older persons are prioritised.
“Stay united and work hand in hand with district leaders. If you remain together, it will be easier to make sure the concerns of older persons are heard and acted upon,” the outgoing chairperson said.
District officials who presided over the swearing-in pledged to collaborate with the committee in promoting programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods and dignity of older persons in Kayunga.
“We shall continue working with this committee to push for programmes that improve the livelihoods and dignity of older persons. Their welfare remains important to the district,” a district official said.
The newly sworn-in committee is expected to champion issues related to social protection, healthcare, economic empowerment and the inclusion of older persons in government development programmes.
