SAGE Expansion Faces Shs252 Billion Funding Hurdle

The government’s initiative to broaden the reach of the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) program has encountered a substantial financial obstacle. A funding gap amounting to Shs252 billion is currently preventing the extension of the grant to older persons aged 65 and above, a move previously approved by the Cabinet.

Minister of State for Gender (Older Persons), Hon. Jaqueline Mbabazi, disclosed this challenge during a parliamentary session. She explained that while the policy to lower the eligibility age from 80 to 65 years has been sanctioned, the necessary funds have not been allocated in the current national budget for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. This absence of budgetary provision has effectively halted the rollout of the expanded program.

The SAGE program currently provides a monthly cash transfer of Shs25,000 to eligible older individuals, aiming to enhance their income security and ensure a more dignified life. Since its inception, the program has disbursed over Shs971.98 billion to more than 515,000 beneficiaries.

Additionally, a separate Shs5 billion approved by the Cabinet for the Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP) – a fund designed to support livelihood projects for groups of seniors – was also omitted from the 2026/2027 budget. The Ministry acknowledges that both the SAGE expansion and the enterprise grants remain priorities.

An inter-ministerial committee has been established to address the welfare of older persons comprehensively, which includes considering a potential medical insurance scheme for SAGE beneficiaries and exploring an increase in the monthly grant to Shs35,000. As Uganda prepares to observe the International Day of Older Persons, the Minister urged Parliament to continue advocating for improved elderly welfare, highlighting that this demographic constitutes five percent of the nation’s population and faces numerous challenges including land grabbing, financial exploitation, and neglect.