The future of the SAGE program in Uganda Hangs in balance as Donors planning to withdraw from funding the elderly people of 80years and above following persistent failure by the government to fulfill its commitments.
The SAGE programme introduced in 2010 with donations from UK and IRISH governments.
Under the programme, shs25,000 cash payment is made to the eligible older persons to boost their livelihood.
The MPs on the committee of Gender, labour and social development led by Ms Kabahenda Flavia Rwabuhoro the woman mp Kyegegwa district visited the districts of Bukedea and Manafwa districts recently.
While meeting elders Kabahenda revealed that, the donors are stopping the funding but as gov't they will make sure the program continues to see them get their money as it has been for the last 12 years .
She warned the youth to work hard and not think they will get this money when they grow old, because most of them are civil servants unlike those days when youth were hunters and fishmongers but should learn to use the little like the old people.
Bukedea district is among the beneficiaries of this program and a total of 1278 females and 778 male have been receiving 25000 shs monthly.
Meanwhile John Robert Okwi a man of 83 years in Bukedea district thanked the government for thinking about elderly. Adding that this money is basically for home use but not for drinking like others think. He requested the government at least to increase it.
Esther Oraicha, 81 years old from Bukedea district said, she is suffering a lot with the four grandchildren left by her son who died and 25000shs is little to her and now all children are not at school because she can't afford fees for them.
Another MP on the committee said, many people requested them to lower the age gap from 80 to 70 years because most of them die before making 80 years.
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