'It's too little': Govt urged to increase SAGE money

Apr 27, 2024

"The government should increase it to at least sh40,000 and this figure should be reviewed according to the availability of resources."

(L-R) Lydia Nabiryo Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, Bernard Mujuni Commissioner, Equity and Rights Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, izabela karpowicz International. Monetary Fund (IMF), Balaam Barugahara State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and Joy Peggy Waako Member of Parliament to represent the elderly interacting with Yayeri Lubwana 83 year and Joyce Namababa 96 residents of Natano village Mukono (sited) during the launch of the protocol to the African charter on human and people’s rights on the rights of citizens to social protection and social security at Hotel on April 25, 2024. (Photos by Mary Kansiime)

Hope Mafaranga

Journalist @New Vision

____________________

The Ugandan government has been urged to increase the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) programme money to improve the lives of the elderly beneficiaries.

Juma Nyende, the chairperson of the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER), made the call this week.

While he commended the government for the sh25,000 monthly stipend to people aged above 80, he said the amount of money should be increased.

The programme was rolled out in 2010.

(L-R) Lydia Nabiryo Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, Bernard Mujuni Commissioner, Equity and Rights Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Balaam Barugahara State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and Joy Peggy Waako Member of Parliament to represent the elderly launching the protocol to the African charter on human and people’s rights on the rights of citizens to social protection and social security at Hotel

“Most of these older people live with their grandchildren, and that money is too little to cater for their needs," said Nyende.

"The government should increase it to at least sh40,000 and this figure should be reviewed according to the availability of resources."

He was speaking during the launch of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Society at Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala.

Peggy Joy Wako, the female MP representing older persons in Parliament, said many would-be beneficiaries have missed out on SAGE money because of having no national identification card.

Allana Kembabazi Program Manager of initiative for Social and Economic Rights during the launch of the protocol to the African charter on human and people’s rights on the rights of citizens to social protection and social security at Hotel

“Older people have been turned down at paying stations due to a lack of national IDs," she said.

"I request that the government waives that requirement so that our senior citizens can get services."

Children and Youth Affairs Minister Baram Barugahara said the gender and labour ministry has been at the forefront of enhancing social protection and recognising it as a fundamental component for sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Ninety-six-year-old Joyce Namataba from Ntawo in Mukono said she has never received the SAGE money despite having a national ID.

“Every time I go there, I have been told that I don’t qualify."