The 1995 Constitution recognizes the value and rights of the elderly. 
Article 32 states that: “The State shall make reasonable provision for the welfare and maintenance of the aged”. 

The Government is a signatory to UN Conventions and those of its organs. ILO Convention 102 of June 2001 sets out the minimum standards of social security benefits for old age, invalidity, survivors, medical care, sickness, unemployment, employment injury, family and maternity benefits. 

Question: How far has Uganda gone in operationalising the above two provisions? On Friday October 19, the Uganda Network of Aged and Retired Persons (UNARP), an indigenous NGO based in Jinja, held a one-day seminar at the Jinja Municipal Council Hall. The Seminar was attended by over 100 retirees and other older people from in and around Jinja town. From the seminar, it was obvious that much as the Government was trying to do something about the plight of the elderly, at least judging from the setting up of a department of the elderly and the disabled in the Ministry of Gender, a lot still remains to be done. 

Social security benefits are not only very small but the process of accessing them is tedious. Most elderly people are too weak to perform productive work and are economically dependent on others like their children, relatives and neighbours for survive. They lack care, protection and necessities. Many experience loneliness, deprivation and segregation/isolation, which exposes them to psychological disturbance and premature death. 

Increasing numbers of the elderly even bear the burden of looking after their grandchildren with their meagre resources due to death of the parents of the children, mostly from HIV/AIDS. Failing health and rising expenses are a major source of worry and stress among the elderly. On segregation and isolation of the Elderly, it should be realized that our Senior citizens carry with them a lot of knowledge and experience which they accumulated over a long time. 

It is often said, “Experience is the best teacher”; it is not necessary that each generation has to rediscover the wheel; if we want the country to develop. If you stepped out of your office and went to the street, and observed the occupants of the big 4-WD Vehicles, you will notice that they are mostly old men, but unfortunately most of them are foreigners. In other words, other countries are busy looking after their senior citizens at the expense of our own. 

Why doesn’t the Government deliberately employ their own senior citizens in the area of consultancy instead of importing the elderly from abroad? M.R.Kopmeyer, in his book, ‘Here’s Help’ says: “….people do not die because they work too hard. They die because they realize that their lives are ebbing away in a meaningless existence.” 

While we urge the Government and other stakeholders to formulate elderly-friendly Policies, and correct and improve on the status quo, as observed above, citizens (both corporate and individual) should also come to the aid of the elderly, retrenched and retirees. Contribute whatever you can - materials, drugs, jobs, financial and other resources.

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