social welfare 6 October 2026 Parliament of Uganda
SAGE Program Expansion to Aid Elderly Faces Shs252 Billion Funding Hurdle
The planned expansion of Uganda's Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) program to include older persons aged 65 has been stalled due to a significant funding shortfall of Shs252 billion. This delay impacts the government's ability to implement its approved decision to lower the eligibility age from 80. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4643/sage-expansion-stalls-over-shs252-billion-funding-gap
The government’s initiative to broaden the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) program, aiming to include elderly citizens aged 65 and above, is currently on hold. A substantial funding gap of Shs252 billion has prevented the implementation of this key decision, which was approved by Cabinet.
Minister of State for Gender (Older Persons), Hon. Jaqueline Mbabazi, informed Parliament that while Cabinet sanctioned the reduction of the SAGE eligibility age from 80 to 65 years, the necessary funds have not been allocated in the current national budget for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. This lack of financial backing is the primary reason for the stalled expansion.
The SAGE program currently provides a monthly cash grant of Shs25,000 to eligible older persons, aiming to enhance their income security and promote dignified living. Since its inception, the program has disbursed approximately Shs971.98 billion to over 515,000 beneficiaries. In the preceding financial year, Shs99.64 billion was distributed to 318,649 individuals.
Furthermore, an additional Shs5 billion approved by Cabinet for the Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP) – which supports livelihood projects for elderly groups – was also omitted from the 2026/2027 budget. These unfunded initiatives remain priorities for the government.
An inter-ministerial committee has been formed to address the comprehensive welfare of older persons, including considerations for a proposed medical insurance scheme for SAGE beneficiaries and a potential increase in the monthly grant from Shs25,000 to Shs35,000. Minister Mbabazi urged Parliament to continue advocating for improved elderly welfare, highlighting that this demographic represents five percent of Uganda’s population and faces numerous challenges including land grabbing, financial exploitation, and neglect.
Source: Parliament of Uganda