Kampala, September 29, 2025 – As Uganda positions itself for sustained economic growth and social transformation, the role of older persons is gaining renewed national attention. On October 1, the country will join the rest of the world in marking the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), under the theme “Enhanced Household Incomes: A Key to Dignity and Respect for Older Persons.”
The national celebration will be hosted at St. John Secondary School, Wakitaka in Jinja City, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expected to preside over the event.
Announcing the program at the Uganda Media Centre, Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, Hon. Gidudu Mafwabi Dominic, said the day goes beyond commemoration. “Placing older persons at the heart of Uganda’s transformation ensures that as the country modernizes, no citizen is left behind,” he noted.
The Ageing Picture in Uganda and Beyond
Uganda’s 2024 Census revealed that older persons make up 5% of the population, or about 2.3 million people. By 2050, this number will almost double to 4 million.
Globally, the demographic shift is even sharper. Today, there are around 680 million people aged 60 and above, projected to reach 2 billion by 2050. Africa’s older population is expected to increase from 38 million to 212 million within the same timeframe.
“These figures remind us that ageing is no longer a peripheral issue but a development priority,” Hon. Gidudu said.
Linking Income Security to Dignity
Central to this year’s theme is the idea that economic empowerment underpins dignity and independence in old age. Uganda has rolled out several initiatives to improve household incomes and social protection for senior citizens:
- Senior Citizens Grant (SAGE): Over 306,000 older persons receive a monthly entitlement of UGX 25,000 (paid quarterly).
- Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP): More than 13,400 beneficiaries across 181 districts have started small-scale enterprises.
- Social Cash Transfers for Elderly Refugees: A pilot program in Koboko and Yumbe districts mirrors SAGE, extending support to elderly refugees.
- Parish Development Model (PDM): Older persons account for 3% of its one million beneficiaries.
According to the minister, these interventions not only reduce poverty but also strengthen intergenerational solidarity and keep older persons engaged as contributors to society.
Challenges and Reforms
Despite progress, several challenges persist. The government is grappling with budget shortfalls of UGX 20.6 billion under SAGE, UGX 5 billion under SEGOP, and UGX 4 billion for Older Persons Councils.
The eligibility age of 80 years and the UGX 25,000 monthly transfer have also drawn criticism as inadequate. In response, government is reviewing options to lower the age threshold, increase the grant value, and accelerate reforms to the Older Persons Act.
Other measures under consideration include:
- Dedicated PDM funding for older persons’ enterprises.
- Medical insurance – free for those above 80 years, subsidized for others.
- Special service lanes at government institutions.
- Greater recognition of eminent older persons through medals and certificates.
- Professionalization of care through gerontology and geriatrics training in universities.
Jinja to Host National Celebrations
The 2025 IDOP commemoration will feature exhibitions by older persons, free health camps, a solidarity march, demonstrations of SAGE payments, and the launch of a toll-free helpline to report elder abuse.
Hon. Gidudu stressed that these activities are designed not only to celebrate the contributions of older persons but also to signal Uganda’s commitment to inclusive development.
Transformation That Includes Every Generation
“As Uganda transforms, we must ensure that ageing is associated with dignity, respect, and meaningful participation in society,” the minister concluded. “Age is gold, and supporting older persons is not charity – it is justice.”
