Elders are Abused More in Central Uganda than other Parts – State Minister

By: Kyeyune Ali

On Wednesday at Uganda Media center in Kampala, the State minister for Elderly affairs Hon. Mafwabi Gidudu has assured the general public that the country will join the rest of the world to commemorate the world Elderly abuse awareness day at Imperial Royal on Friday 16th this month.

In this case Buganda region is ranked as the region in the country with high level of abuses against elders.

This is due to land grabbing which resulted into killing of many elders, illiteracy and poverty is also a point to consider in different parts of the country among the areas; BUSOGA region and areas of Karamoja.

In this case the government is improvising all means at least to reduce this problem across the country.

The population of Uganda is growing rapidly and now is estimated at 45.2 millions and out of this, older persons are projected at 4 millions according to UBOS 2020 statistical abstract.

Therefore the government is trying to put much efforts towards improving elder person’s lives and this done through the national council for older persons Act 2013.

“The abuses of the elder person are global social issue but also a ugandan problem which affects the health and human rights of older persons and it is an issue that deserves the attention of all Ugandans and support from all stakeholders on the human rights arena.” Says Minister while addressing media on Wednesday.

This year’s theme of commemoration is ” seniors deserve our respect and attention ”

This requires every actor in the country to respect the senior citizens because they are not only the custodians of knowledge but also still contributing to the development of the country.

To the duty bearers such as NGOs , Banks, medical insurance companies, transport agencies, community workers, policy makers they should be reminded that older persons deserve better in terms of respect and attention because they sacrifice a lot in their early days.