parliament 18 August 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Parliament Pushes for Enhanced Geriatric Care and Increased SAGE Payouts
Ugandan Parliament has approved a motion advocating for improved healthcare services for the elderly and greater social protection, while demanding the government fulfill its promise to raise the Senior Citizens Grant for the Elderly (SAGE) from Shs25,000 to Shs35,000 monthly. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4563/parliament-approves-motion-geriatric-care-demands-increase-sage
Legislators in Uganda’s Parliament have voiced strong support for enhancing the welfare of older citizens, culminating in the approval of a motion focused on geriatric care and social protection. The motion, spearheaded by Sironko District Woman Representative Hon. Asha Mafabi, highlighted the growing challenges faced by the nation’s aging population in accessing specialized healthcare and adequate financial support.
A key demand from the parliamentary session is the immediate implementation of the promised increase in the Senior Citizens Grant for the Elderly (SAGE). Currently at Shs25,000, the grant is intended to be raised to Shs35,000 per month. The Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi, acknowledged that while the increase was not budgeted for in the current fiscal year, it is crucial given that older Ugandans support a significant number of dependents.
The debate also shed light on the critical need for specialized geriatric healthcare. MPs underscored that Uganda’s over 1.4 million individuals aged 60 and above are disproportionately affected by age-related and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and dementia. Calls were made for the establishment of dedicated geriatric units, the training of healthcare professionals in age-specific care, and the expansion of community-based health services, particularly in rural areas.
Concerns were also raised regarding the accessibility and administration of SAGE payments. Some Members of Parliament suggested exploring alternative payment methods, such as mobile money, to reduce the burden on elderly beneficiaries who often travel long distances. Questions were also posed about the significant administrative costs associated with the SAGE program.
Discussions also touched upon the scarcity of geriatric medicine specialists in Uganda, with a commitment from the Ministry of Health to engage with institutions like Makerere University to introduce relevant training programs. While some proposed a dedicated health insurance scheme for the elderly, others advocated for a national solidarity-based insurance model to ensure broader coverage and sustainability.