We want representatives in Parliament - elderly
Nov 15, 2018
The latest petition is addressed to the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Janat Mukwaya, whom the older persons task to bring it to the attention of the cabinet for consideration then parliament.
PIC: Chairman National Council for Elder Persons Joram Tibasiimwa with John Charles Orach representing Northern Region observing the petition before submission. This was during the meeting of National Council for Elder Persons at Ministry of Gender , Labour and Social Development on November 14, 2018.(Photos by Ramadhan Abbey)
POLITICS
Representatives of older persons (60 years and above) have renewed their demand for electoral reforms that provide for their representation in Parliament.
While meeting at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in Kampala on Wednesday, 17 members of the National Council for Older Persons (NCOP) signed a fresh petition to sustain their demand.
They claimed the target is not to miss out in the next parliament in 2021.
Older persons first launched the campaign in 2008. In their 10-paged petition to Parliament, the older persons not only advocated for parliamentary seats, but also representation at all levels of decision making including local councils.
Their efforts have since recorded reasonable success, the National Council for Older Persons' Act 2013 being one of them.
This among others provided for the establishment of the older persons leadership structures from the village to national level and election of representatives at local councils.
These were confirmed in a stringent of electoral reforms passed by Parliament in the run up to the 2016 general elections.
The latest petition is addressed to the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Janat Mukwaya, whom the older persons task to bring it to the attention of the cabinet for consideration then parliament.
Joram Tibasiimwa, the chairperson of the NCOP noted that older persons were the only special interest group recognised by the constitution but not represented in Parliament which is unfair.
"It is a considered opinion of the National Council for Older Persons, that fairness prevails and government and Parliament treats all special interest groups equally.
If not, the representation of special interest groups in Parliament altogether should be abolished," he explained.
(From left to right ) Council members of elder persons, Charles Isabirye, Rehema Olupot. Chairman elder persons, Roram Tibasiimwa handing over the petition to deputy assistant commissioner, Beatrice Kaggy during the meeting of National Council for Elder Persons at Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
He added: "We acknowledge that many older persons are in Parliament, however they specifically not represent our interests. Their allegiance is to their political parties, special interest groups or themselves."
Magara Olubo, a representing of Northern region at NCOP questioned: "Why should the youth, women, UPDF, PWDS, be represented in Parliament, while the older persons with numerous challenges are left out?"
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WHAT THE LAW SAYS Parliament through section 11 of the parliamentary Elections Act, 2001 (Act No.8 of 2001) made provisions for district women representation and for representation of Uganda People's Defense Force (10), Youth (5), workers (5) and People with disabilities (5) representatives. |
Olubo insisted that government should give older persons due consideration explaining that they are the ones who paid taxes which built this country to where it is today.
The council in the push is fully supported by the National Network for Older Persons in Uganda (NNOPU) which last year drafted petition in line.
John Orach, the chairperson NNOPU and a member of the National Council for Older Persons stated: "Majority of us go through a lot of difficulty, physical abuses, psychologically, financially, relatives neglect and other forms of injustices. All these demand due consideration by government."
The elderly started their demand for seats in 2017.
He added that the same way the issues of the other interest groups are given a priority; it should be the case with the elderly people. Orach tasked the older persons to sustain advocacy for their wellbeing and all their rights.
In an effort to guarantee older persons well fare, government with support from development partners, in 2011 launched the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) programme currently operating in over 40 districts.
Under the programme, a sh25, 000 cash payment is made to the eligible older persons to boost their livelihood.