By Lawrence Kooko
Kampala, Uganda | June 15, 2025 – The Government of Uganda
has reaffirmed its commitment to protect older persons from abuse and neglect
as the country joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Elder Abuse
Awareness Day.
Marked every year on June 15, the day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006 to shine a spotlight on the mistreatment, violence, and discrimination often suffered by elderly people globally.
In Uganda, the event will be held on Friday, 20 June 2025 at Kampala City Council Authority grounds (KCCA grounds), observed through a national media briefing held at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, with a call for collective action to uphold the dignity of older persons.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, Hon. Mafabi Gidudu, said the growing incidence of elder abuse in Uganda was alarming and must be addressed with urgency.
“Older persons are increasingly being denied access to their
land, neglected by family, and even subjected to physical and verbal abuse,”
Hon. Gidudu noted. “This is unacceptable. Our elders deserve protection, not
persecution.”
He emphasized that while Uganda has made strides in expanding support through programmes such as the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE), elder abuse remains a hidden crisis due to underreporting and stigma.
“SAGE currently supports over 370,000 older persons in 146 districts. However, we recognize that financial support alone is not enough. We must build a culture of respect, care and legal protection for our seniors,” the Minister added.
The government announced plans to strengthen community-level reporting mechanisms, including reactivating a toll-free hotline for abuse cases. Hon. Gidudu also hinted at the introduction of geriatric care services in public hospitals and legal reforms aimed at protecting elderly rights and property.
This year’s global theme, “Spotlight on Older Persons in Times of Crisis,” underscores the vulnerabilities elderly persons face during health emergencies, disasters, and economic instability. The minister said Uganda must not forget the role older persons played in nation-building, and called on families, cultural institutions, and local councils to lead the charge in protecting their elderly.
Uganda has over 2 million people aged 60 and above, with
many living in rural areas and relying on family for care. Stakeholders at the
event called for increased public awareness, more geriatric social workers, and
policy enforcement to ensure that Uganda becomes a safer place to age with
dignity.