Health 2 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
MPs Urge Swift Passage of Health Insurance Bill for Elderly Care
Lawmakers are pushing for the expedited re-enactment of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Bill to improve healthcare access for older persons who often struggle with medical costs and lack consistent income. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mps-want-health-insurance-bill-fast-tracked-to-ease-care-for-older-persons-5616794
Members of Parliament are calling for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Bill to be fast-tracked, emphasizing its potential to significantly improve healthcare access for Uganda’s aging population.
Mr. Patrick Katabazi, the chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection (UPFSP), highlighted that many older individuals face financial barriers to accessing medical services. He stressed the critical need for a health insurance scheme to cover this demographic, particularly given their reduced earning potential and the common inability to secure insurance as they age.
Parliament initially passed the NHIS Bill in March 2021 with the goal of providing affordable, universal healthcare. However, President Museveni returned the bill due to concerns regarding employer contributions and funding disparities between formal and informal sectors.
Forum National Coordinator Ms. Gloria Nakajubi echoed these sentiments, stating that the bill’s enactment would be a “game changer.” She pointed out that a significant portion of the elderly, like many Ugandans, lack health insurance, which hinders their access to timely and quality medical care.
Additionally, legislators are advocating for increased funding and expansion of the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) program. Suggestions include lowering the eligibility age from 80 to 65 and increasing the monthly stipend from Shs25,000 to Shs35,000, aligning with a previous cabinet decision.
Uganda’s population aged 60 and above has seen substantial growth, reaching 2.3 million in 2024/25 and projected to reach six million by 2050. This demographic trend underscores the urgency of implementing robust social protection and healthcare support systems.