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Minister of State for the elderly, Gidudu Mafwabi, emphasized the transformative impact of the government’s monthly allowance of Shs. 25,000 for older persons. This assistance, provided under the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE), has effectively catered to the needs and aspirations of over 300,000 individuals aged 80 and above.
The Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment program, a key component of the government’s social protection efforts, aims to offer direct financial aid to elderly citizens. Participants enrolled in the SAGE program receive a quarterly payment of Shs 75,000, equating to Shs 25,000 per month.
Minister Mafwabi highlighted the success of the Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP), which has supported nearly 10,000 older individuals engaged in small enterprises across various localities.
This initiative not only fosters economic empowerment but also enhances livelihoods by promoting diverse economic activities among older persons.
Challenges and room for improvement
While acknowledging the achievements, Minister Mafwabi pointed out the shortcomings hindering the success of programs for older persons.
He highlighted the need to address issues such as limited participation in the Parish Development Model (PDM) Agenda and the impact of budget cuts on essential grants and services for older citizens.
Looking ahead, Minister Mafwabi emphasized the importance of developing specialized courses in geriatrics and social gerontology to address the emerging challenges associated with an aging population.
Additionally, efforts are underway to regulate and monitor homes for older persons without alternative care, ensuring their well-being and safety.
The national celebrations for the International Day of Older Persons are set to take place on October 1, 2024, at Liberation Square in Masaka City, providing an opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions of older individuals in society.
Check also;
- Elderly Ask Government To Recount Them To Ascertain Their Number In Population
- Ministry Of Gender To Increase Money Given To The Elderly
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![[dropcap]A[/dropcap] section of women in Bugongo parish and Nawangaiza parish in Nawandala Sub County, Iganga District have decried the near-impossible terms set for them to access GROW funds. They have now petitioned their woman member of parliament for Iganga Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo to ask the government for revised terms and conditions. This is to enable them to benefit from the program. The disgruntled women accuse the implementers of the program of charging the money. They are also asking for their land titles and land agreements. They said that such properties are governed by their husbands. These, therefore want the government through their woman MP to intervene and revise the requirements for one to benefit. The women were on Wednesday at Namabwere primary school in Nawandala Sub County. They had gathered in their respective groups to receive over 300 chickens from Hon Alibaawo in her campaign to improve the livelihood of women in Iganga district. Each group was given 50 chicken as start-up capital in their journey to prosperity. Read what some leaders said; Ms Naigambi Lydia from Nawandala Trading Centre says, “They solicited money from us through opening bank accounts and depositing Shs80,000. They also asked for land titles and land agreements from us yet we don’t have such things. I was informed that I needed to have a business with a capital of Shs4m yet my capital was very small.” The chairperson Kisoboka Saving Group in Nawandala Ms. Nakagolo Faith said they were not able to join the program. This is given the many conditions attached. She also asked their woman MP to raise their concerns to the relevant offices. The MP condemned the mode of implementation of the program. She cited that it has turned to benefit the well-off class of women other than the intended group. She further asked the government to intervene saying the current strings attached to the programme are very tight to accommodate a common woman. GROW project is a Government of Uganda initiative that arose out of the need to respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs. This is especially those who want to grow their businesses, sustain their self-employment and create more jobs. Check Also; Iganga District NRM Leaders Urge Museveni To Fulfill Election Promises Of 2021 International Women's Day: Celebrating Progress Towards Equality](https://newslexpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Iganga-women-decry-tough-terms-to-access-GROW-funds-e1731738339732.jpg)