17 elderly fail to collect their SAGE money

AMURIA - As many as 17 beneficiaries of the first phase of the Senior Citizens Grant (SCG) component under the Senior Assistant Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) government program in Amuria district have failed to collect their money.

A total of 840 elderly people, aged above 60, were expected to get their pay in the first phase of the program. A total of 50 beneficiaries were picked from 15 sub-counties while 90 were selected from Apeduru sub-county in the district.

On pay-day last week, an average of 50 people from every sub-county showed up and each received sh100,000 - for the previous four months, according to district officials.

According to the program, beneficiaries are paid sh25,000 every month.

"Only 686 older persons were able to go home smiling with cash," said Michael Oloit, the district community development officer.

He said 127 died before receiving the money, 17 failed to show up for their share while 10 were pensioners and not legible for payment.

Rhoda Akello, the SAGE district coordinator, said some of the 17 people who failed to appear for payment were admitted in distant health units outside Amuria.

But she said they will receive all their money in the next scheduled payment next month.

Post Bank in conjunction with Amuria district local government carried out this payment exercise at all the sub-county headquarters.

The district's assistant chief administrative officer, Paul Edotu, said registration of more 50 elderly people per sub-county will soon be conducted in the district.