By Flavia Ajok
Elderly leaders and older persons in Hoima City want president Yoweri Museveni and government to consider reducing on the age required for one to benefit from social assistance grants for empowerment (SAGE) from 80 years to 60 years which is the civil servant’s retirement age saying most people die before the age of 80 thus there is going to be time when the money will not benefit anyone.
According to Zakaliya Byaruhanga who represents the elderly as councillor in Hoima city west says the current age cap of 80 is so high and even a few people that get to that age hardly enjoy the money since they are close to dying time.
Zakaliya believes if the age is revised the older persons will be able to use this money to better their lives.
Gladys Mate, who represents the elderly in Hoima city east, is appealing to older persons to form SACCOs, groups and associations so that they can benefit from government programs.
Benard Sentaro, an elderly resident of Rusembe claims the market prices for commodities have risen due to inflation and economic changes and the money they get is so little.
“My appeal to government is to consider the changing market price, but the money being given to us is less, but we get to the same market, maybe if Government can tell people operating shops to reduce the cost for us elder persons, if not we kindly ask government to increase the pay” Sentaro said
John Bosco Muhanuzi the Hoima City East mayor says, they will add their voice to the demands of the older persons.
Uganda on Tuesday joined the international community to celebrate the International day of older persons.
