Kampala, Uganda – The Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, Hon. Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu, has called on Ugandans to take action to prevent elder abuse and protect the rights of older persons.
Speaking at a press conference at Uganda Media Centre, the Minister emphasized that elder abuse is a serious issue that affects many older persons in Uganda. “Abuse of Older Persons is a global social challenge that immensely affects the Health and Human Rights of thousands of older persons. It’s an issue that all Ugandans should be concerned about in order to secure a dignified future for all Ugandans as they age,” he said.
The Minister noted that the government has put in place various interventions to improve the lives of older persons, including the Revised National Policy for Older Persons 2024 and the National Social Protection Policy (2015). However, he emphasized that more needs to be done to address the issue of elder abuse.
“We need to work together to create awareness about the rights of older persons and to prevent elder abuse. It’s everyone’s responsibility to look out for the safety of older persons and create awareness to enable them age with dignity,” the Minister said.
He also called on the media to play a role in promoting the rights of older persons and highlighting the issue of elder abuse. “I call upon the media fraternity to respect and promote the rights of Older Persons to enable them age gracefully,” he said.
The Minister’s call comes as Uganda prepares to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th. The day aims to raise awareness about the rights of older persons and highlight the abuse they face.
In Uganda, it is estimated that 2.2 million people are aged 60 and above, with many of them facing various forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, and financial abuse, neglect, and isolation.
“We need to work together to ensure that older persons are protected from abuse and that their rights are respected,” the Minister said.
