Dokolo elderly persons demand SAGE program

By Patrick Okino

ELDER persons in Dokolo district have urged the government to consider expanding the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) program to economically empower the aged.

"They should also us protect us by empowering us economically because we have grandchildren to pay school fees for," Enaciti Okot 78 said. Okot is a resident of Aditata village in Kangai Sub County, Dokolo district.

According to the government each person aged over 60 is entitled to sh25000 monthly and the program is piloted in 14 districts. The districts included Nebbi, Nakapiripirit, Kyenjojo, Napak, Kiboga, Zombo, Kole, Kaberamaido, Kyegegwa and Katakwi.  Other districts included Kyankwanzi, Moroto, Apac and Amudat.

It was aimed at providing monthly direct income support to older persons and vulnerable households. The programme is funded by DFID.

Okot urged President Yoweri Museveni to support their idea and also treat the elder persons equally because the district has many older people.  

The ministry of gender, labour and social development is implementing the program with the government of Uganda agreeing to support the project with 15%.

Another resident, Ocen Mohammed chairperson Lango Elder Persons Foundation said the program will extend the life and improve welfare of older persons because they will be economically vibrant.