Opposition wants eligible age for older persons benefits revised

29 September 2023, 1:08 pm

Byamukama Alozious

The Opposition leadership in Parliament wants the government to revise downwards, the minimum age for eligibility to access to social assistance grant for empowerment (SAGE).

The call was at a press conference by Shadow Ministers, Rose Fortunate Nantongo (Gender, Labour and Social Development), Hillary Innocent Kiyaga (Arts and Culture), Joyce Bagala Ntwatwa (Information and Anti-Corruption) and Nakaseke Central MP, Allan Mayanja Ssebunya, ahead of this year’s commemoration of the International Day for Older Persons on October 1.

“The threshold of SAGE beneficiaries should be brought down gradually until all older persons who are 65 years, and 60 years for Karamoja, are reached,” said Nantongo.

She also urged the government to clear all arrears under the SAGE program which is challenged by a funding gap of Shs 5.1 billion.

The MPs also criticised the government for its failure to provide decent housing to the most vulnerable among the older persons.

“We commend the Kabaka of Buganda for his efforts in providing housing for some elderly people, and we urge the NRM regime to follow this example,” Nantongo said.

Hon. Hillary Kiyaga wants Government to deliver SAGE money early for the elders to plan to it.