By URN
Elderly persons in Kiboga District have asked the government to increase money given to them under the Senior Citizens Grant under the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment – SAGE.
The government through the Ministry of gender provides monthly grants of 25,000 Shillings to older persons of 65 years and above with exception of Karamoja at 60 years.
While appreciating the government programme, the elderly suggested that the money be paid every month to enable them to reduce the burden of borrowing which is also affecting them.
Muhammud Lukyamuzi, 73, a resident of Temanekali A village in Bukomero Town Council, complained about the delayed disbursement of the funds which are also inadequate compared to the high cost of commodities on market.
Catherine Nakyanzi, aged 76 says that the money is inadequate and sometimes disbursed after three months. She wants the government to increase the amount to at least 100,000 Shillings and that it should be paid every month.
Nakyanzi also lamented over the continuous change of the Banks. At the start of the programme, the elderly were receiving funds through MTN mobile money service and then Post Bank. Currently, they are paid through Centenary Bank.
The elderly state that the changes are cumbersome and that many of their colleagues are now missing out after their particulars disappeared.
Stephen Kasaija who heads the Social Protection Programme Management Unit said the government will look into the grievances raised by the elderly persons.
