Uganda to Mark International Day of Older Persons with Focus on Household Incomes

Uganda will on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, join the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the rights, contributions, and challenges of older people.

This year’s national celebrations will be held at St. John Secondary School, Wakitaka in Jinja City, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expected to preside over the occasion.

The announcement was made today by the Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, Hon. Gidudu Mafwabi Dominic (MP), during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre. 

Theme for 2025: Household Incomes and Dignity 

The global commemoration, which has been observed since 1991 and in Uganda since 1999, will run under the theme:

“Enhanced Household Incomes: A Key to Dignity and Respect for Older Persons.”

Hon. Gidudu explained that the theme emphasizes the link between economic security and the well-being, autonomy, and dignity of older citizens.

“Lack of income security leaves many older persons vulnerable to poverty, neglect, and social exclusion. Enhancing household incomes through pensions, social protection, financial services, and income-generating opportunities is essential to ensure that older persons live independent, purposeful, and dignified lives,” he said.

Uganda’s Elderly Population in Numbers

According to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, older persons account for 5% of Uganda’s population, translating to about 2.3 million people. By 2050, this number is projected to reach 4 million, mirroring Africa’s wider demographic shift where the elderly population is expected to rise from 38 million to 212 million in the same period.

Key Government Interventions

The minister highlighted ongoing initiatives under the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development aimed at boosting economic security for older persons:

Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP): Benefited 13,449 older persons (6,565 men and 6,884 women) across 181 local governments.

Senior Citizens Grant for Empowerment (SAGE): Provides UGX 25,000 per month (paid quarterly as UGX 75,000) to 306,759 older persons, helping them meet basic needs.

Cash Transfers for Elderly Refugees: Implemented in Lobule (Koboko) and Bidibidi (Yumbe) settlements in partnership with OPM, UNHCR, and development partners.

Parish Development Model (PDM): Older persons make up 3% of the 1,022,902 PDM beneficiaries.

Challenges and Planned Reforms

Despite progress, Hon. Gidudu acknowledged several challenges requiring urgent action:

Funding Gaps: Arrears of UGX 20.6 billion under SAGE, UGX 5 billion under SEGOP, and UGX 4 billion for the Older Persons Council.

Eligibility Age for SAGE: Currently at 80 years with a transfer value of UGX 25,000, which government plans to review.

National ID Access: Many older persons lack National IDs, limiting access to benefits.

Barriers to PDM and Emyooga: The government is considering dedicated PDM allocations for older persons and inclusion in Emyooga funds.

Recognition and Representation: Proposals to honor eminent older persons with certificates and medals, improve access to government airtime, and prioritize older persons in public services.

Delayed Amendment of the Older Persons Act: Proposals have been cleared to strengthen legal protection and social benefits, including free land registration, subsidized medical insurance, and specialized gerontology programs in universities.

Activities Planned for October 1

The national commemoration in Jinja will feature:

Exhibitions showcasing products made by older persons.

Health camps offering free medical services.

A demonstration of SAGE payments.

 A march by older persons.

Handing over of dummy cheques for empowerment projects.

Launch of a toll-free helpline for reporting elder abuse.

Tribute to President Museveni

Hon. Gidudu extended appreciation to President Museveni for his continued support to older persons and noted that the President will deliver a “special message” during the Jinja celebrations.

“As always, ours is a block vote for candidate General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and I am confident that his message on Wednesday will be one of hope and commitment to protecting the gains and securing our future,” the minister remarked.

The International Day of Older Persons serves as both a reminder of the invaluable role the elderly play in society and a call to action to secure their dignity and well-being.

Hon. Gidudu urged all Ugandans to join the commemoration either in person at St. John Secondary School, Wakitaka, Jinja City, or through radio and television coverage.

“On this International Day for Older Persons, let us recommit to compassion, accountability, and transparency in implementing social protection so that no one is left behind,” he concluded.