Kampala, Uganda – Uganda is set to join the global community in commemorating the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, 2024.
The celebration, themed “Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Older Persons; Everyone’s Responsibility because ageing is not optional,” will take place at Liberation Square in Masaka City.
Speaking ahead of the much anticipated day at Uganda Media Centre, the Minister of state for Elderly Affairs Hon. Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu highlighted that the day is aimed at raising awareness and addressing the needs and concerns of older persons.
“Furthermore, this day has been used to take stock of the achievements made during the year towards service delivery to Older Persons, reviewing challenges faced and mapping out strategies to address the challenges.” He Said
He revealed how the population of older persons in Uganda and across the globe is rapidly increasing saying, “According to the United Nations, the population of older persons globally is expected to rise from the current 761 million to 2.1 billion by 2047.” He outlined
In Uganda, according to the recently concluded Uganda Population and Housing census in June 2024, Older Persons aged 60 years and above constitute 5% of the total population of 46 million people, which translates to 2.3 million Older Persons. This is an increase 1.7 million registered in 2016/17.
He however, emphasized government’s commitment of addressing the different challenges that could affect the increasing number of older persons, through eliminating all forms of discrimination as provided for under Article 32 of the Constitution that promotes affirmative action in favour of marginalized groups.
Minister Gidudu also highlighted that since the inception of the commemoration of the Day, there has been several positive achievements registered forexample special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP) has succeeded in funding 9,932 Older Persons engaged in small enterprises across 181 Local Governments.
Gidudu highlighted that despite government’s initiatives, elder abuse remains a concern, with studies indicating a rise in physical, sexual, domestic violence, psychological, financial, and neglect cases.
According to researchers, It’s estimated that 46.8% Older Persons in Uganda suffer from financial abuse, 86 % neglect and isolation, 49 % Psychological Abuse, 44.7% Domestic Violence, 6.8% sexual abuse, while 25% suffer from physical abuse
Limited access to healthcare, inadequate social support, and insufficient resources also hinder the well-being of older persons. “To effectively address these issues, we need dedicated awareness and mainstreaming of older person’s issues in all government programs,” Hon. Gidudu emphasized.
He called for more support and mobilization of resources for the older persons in order to enhance their meaningful inclusion in the country’s development agenda. “I equally argue all citizens to respect and support the older persons since they have made them and continue to contribute towards National development.” He stated
The event which is expected to bring together stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and older persons, to reaffirm Uganda’s commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of its elderly population will be presided over by H.E the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
