Hoima older persons decry exclusion from government wealth creation programmes

Hoima older persons decry exclusion from government wealth creation programmes

The elderly say extension workers rarely sensitise them about government programmes or explain how they can access the opportunities available under the initiatives.

Older persons in Hoima City have raised concerns over what they describe as their exclusion from government wealth creation programmes, saying they are often left out of initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The elderly say extension workers rarely sensitise them about government programmes or explain how they can access the opportunities available under the initiatives.

They also want the government to introduce special consideration for older persons at health facilities, saying they often wait for long periods to receive treatment and that medicines for ailments common among the elderly are frequently unavailable.

The concerns were raised during an engagement between older persons, Hoima City leaders and State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs Grace Mary Mugasa.

The elderly said they are particularly disadvantaged when it comes to accessing government livelihood programmes because most of the available funding is taken up by younger and middle-aged beneficiaries.

David Baguma, the vice chairperson of the Hoima City Elderly Council, urged the government to design programmes that specifically address the needs of older persons.

“Let Government think about us, we are a special group, can't fight for funds given our age,” Baguma said.

He also raised concerns over the theft of domestic animals belonging to older persons, saying the losses further undermine their ability to support themselves.

“The most unfortunate thing is even the little we have is always stolen by the young idle youth who never want to work. We hope even security can be intensified to arrest the gangs,” he said.

Israel Kabyanga, the former chairperson of the Hoima City Elderly Persons Council, said older persons face numerous health challenges that require specialised attention.

He called for the recruitment of health workers with expertise in managing conditions affecting older people and urged the government to ensure that health facilities are adequately supplied with medicines.

“You go to the hospital, remember we are a special case, but hardly get medicine. Why not think about giving special care, even medicine, for elder persons?” Kabyanga said.

Hoima City Mayor Edward Isingoma acknowledged the challenges facing older persons and said the city leadership was considering ways of supporting them.

The mayor said the concerns raised require urgent attention from both the city authorities and central government.

Mugasa said she had taken note of the concerns and promised to explore ways of bringing older persons into upcoming livelihood programmes in Bunyoro.

She specifically pointed to the NUSAF programme, which is expected to support livelihoods in the region.

“These are pertinent issues, but it's good we have new programmes coming to Hoima. We will see how to support the elderly, but also will work with leaders here, of course,” Mugasa said.

The older persons urged government and local leaders to ensure that information about livelihood programmes reaches them directly so that they are not excluded from opportunities intended to improve household incomes.

They also called for stronger security around their homes and improved access to health services as they seek greater support from government programmes.