Hon. Asha Mafabi Calls for Improved Geriatric Health Care and Social Protection for Older Persons

Sironko District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Mafabi Asha Nabulo, has tabled a motion on the floor of Parliament calling on Government to improve access to geriatric health care and strengthen social protection for older persons in Uganda.

The motion, moved under Rule 56 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament during Tuesday’s plenary sitting, seeks greater Government attention to the health and welfare challenges facing Uganda’s growing population of older persons.

Hon. Mafabi said Uganda has more than 1.4 million people aged 60 years and above, a population that continues to grow and carries a disproportionate burden of non-communicable and age-related illnesses.

She cited conditions including hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, cancer and dementia, which often require continuous medical attention, regular monitoring and costly treatment.

According to Mafabi, the increasing number of older persons requires Government to strengthen health systems so that elderly Ugandans can access appropriate and affordable medical services, particularly specialized geriatric care.

She noted that the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, under Objective 20 of the National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, directs the State to take all practical measures to ensure the provision of basic medical services to the population.

She further pointed to Uganda's commitment under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which recognizes the right of everyone to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

Mafabi said Government has already demonstrated commitment to the protection and welfare of older persons through various policy frameworks, including the National Policy for Older Persons and the National Social Protection Policy.

She said these frameworks promote equal treatment, social inclusion, livelihood support and targeted social protection interventions for older persons.

The legislator also acknowledged the Senior Citizens Grant implemented under the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) programme, which provides eligible older persons with a monthly cash grant of Shs25,000.

However, she argued that the grant remains insufficient to meet the basic needs and health care costs of many elderly Ugandans.

She also raised concern about the programme's limited coverage and eligibility requirements, saying a significant number of older persons remain outside the social protection system.

Mafabi said the situation is particularly difficult for older persons living in rural communities, where access to health facilities and specialized medical services remains limited.

She noted that many elderly people have no health insurance and face difficulties accessing essential medicines, diagnostic services, assistive devices and affordable transportation to health facilities.

“These challenges expose older persons to preventable illnesses and deterioration in their health and quality of life,” she said.

The Sironko legislator called for deliberate Government interventions to expand geriatric services within the health care system and ensure that older persons can access appropriate medical care closer to their communities.

She further urged Government to strengthen social protection programmes for older persons, arguing that financial support should be adequate to respond to the rising cost of living and health care.

Mafabi's motion comes amid growing concerns over Uganda's ageing population and the need for health and social protection systems to respond to the changing demographic structure.

She emphasized that caring for older persons should be treated as a national responsibility and that policies aimed at improving their welfare should translate into accessible services at community level.

The motion calls for enhanced coordination between Government ministries, health facilities and social protection agencies to ensure that older persons receive comprehensive support covering health care, income security and social inclusion.

Mafabi urged Parliament and Government to take concrete action to ensure that older Ugandans can live with dignity, access quality health care and remain active members of their communities.