Effective August 10, 2020, which is tomorrow Monday, the elderly people in Kampala through the Extending Social Protection (ESP) program will start to receive accumulated arrears for the Month starting January to June which is totaling to Shs.150,000 (One hundred fifty thousand shillings only) from Government.
All this is part of the monthly Senior Citizens Grant extended to people who are 80 years and above, that are registered with a valid National Identification Card are given Shs.25000/-.
Whereas the Project intention is good, it must be noted that to most of the City dwellers, Shs.25,000/- is too meagre compared to the high cost of living in the City.
The Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago notes that it is important for Government to consider several thrift practical policies and systems of administration crafted to foster healthy ageing by tackling inequities to ensure that older people age safely.
Some of the interventions may include but not limited to;
- Carrying out informed research on active ageing to provide strong evidence, knowledge and documentation in the City and countrywide.
- This will allow for an up-to-date data base and proper planning for ageing out strongly through quality health life and prerequisites of successful active ageing since Kampala has a plethora of challenges.
- Developing and implementing a modern Policy of the elderly to promote a platform for elaboration of an Ageing People Policy and;
- Modern Housing for the ageing society at Division Urban level in Kampala.
- “With this, the basic social amenities and medication can easily devolve to the beneficiaries in the shortest practicable time as we build cohesive, peaceful and sustainable societies” aLukwago added.
