The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development through the Expanding Social Protection Programme, has resumed payments for the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE), to eligible older persons across the country. The delivery of the grant had been hampered by the COVID 19 pandemic and consequent lockdown, a measure put in place by Government to quell the spread of the virus.
While on the Programme Monitoring visit in Lira and Sironko districts, the Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, Hon. Gidudu Mafwabi Dominic reiterated Governments commitment to support vulnerable groups, through social protection initiatives like SAGE. He said Government had allocated 120.7billion this Financial Year 2021/22 to support older persons.
Chairperson, Older Persons’ Council in Sironko district, Mr. Walungamwa John, expressed appreciation for the grant paid to older person but added that it was just a drop in the ocean, given the increase in prices of commodities. He requested government to consider increasing the money as well as reduce the eligibility age from 80 years downwards.
Prosper Muhumuza, Commissioner Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development said that the Programme allows older persons to get alternative recipients to assist them access the grant in case older persons are feeling unwell, but added that the exercise of older persons reaching pay points in person is commendable for it allows them an opportunity to meet and interact, which is a social benefit to their lives.
Ms. Juliana Beizeidenhout, Presidential Advisor on Elderly Affairs, urged older persons to put the grant to good use as efforts to have Government increase the amount and lower the age, continue. “It is good that we now have a Minister, directly in charge of Elderly Affairs. We will continue to work together to ensure that concerns of older persons are addressed by Government. In the meantime, let us utilise the little that we receive”, she added.
Piloted in only 15 districts in 2010, the SAGE Programme now covers all districts, cities and Municipalities across the country. To register on the Programme, one must be 80 years and above, in possession of a valid national ID. Beneficiaries receive 25,000 Uganda shillings per month. The Programme is implemented under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development with support from Foreign Commonwealth Development Office and the Government of Ireland.
