Elderly citizens in Jinja District appreciate the government’s financial support but desire more comprehensive assistance with essential needs.
Elderly citizens in Jinja District have acknowledged the government's financial support but are requesting additional assistance for other essential needs. While they appreciate the monthly Senior Citizens Grant of 25,000 Shillings, they feel more comprehensive support is necessary. This appeal was made during an annual gathering organised for them at Ivunamba village, Budondo, in Jinja City by the non-governmental organisation PEFO.
The event, which marks a celebratory day for the elders, featured various activities, including traditional games. Each year, PEFO uses this gathering to provide the elders with a public message or advisory; this year, the focus was on guiding them through the current political season as winners and losers emerge.
The celebration also included elderly guests from the Netherlands, who joined in the festivities. One of the visitors, a woman named Klaske, highlighted the plight of many Ugandan grandparents who struggle in their old age due to the burden of financing their grandchildren's education.
A significant milestone celebrated at the event was the construction of a new building that will serve as a dedicated healthcare centre for the elderly.
PEFO's Suzan Namuyonga, alongside the visitors Ria and Klaske, acknowledged that the government's monthly stipend is a good initiative but stated that it is insufficient for the holistic needs of the elderly. They collectively appealed to the government to enhance its support for older persons.
Despite the challenges, some elders, like Magret Waziko, expressed profound gratitude towards PEFO, which is supported by donors from Canada, for the positive impact the organisation has had on her life in her old age.
