Africa-Press – Uganda. The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has raised alarm over the persistent marginalisation of older persons in Abim District.
During a meeting held in Abim Town, the commission uncovered multiple challenges faced by senior citizens, including exclusion from key government programs intended to alleviate poverty and improve their welfare.
The affected programs include the Senior Citizens’ Grant under the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) and the Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP). According to the EOC, many older persons in Abim have been left out of these initiatives, depriving them of much-needed financial support.
“We are deeply concerned about the exclusion of older persons from these programs. These initiatives are meant to uplift their livelihoods, yet many of them remain marginalised,” said Petua Babirye Isabirye, Principal Education Officer for the EOC, while addressing residents. She promised to engage relevant authorities to seek redress for the affected individuals.
The visibly aggrieved senior citizens also highlighted additional hardships, particularly in accessing healthcare. They revealed that health centers fail to prioritise them, leaving many to struggle for medical attention.
“Our elders are suffering in silence,” Julius Opio, one of the residents, lamented. “When we go to health centers, we are treated like any other group, yet we need special attention.”
Compounding their woes is the devastation of their food sources by marauding elephants, which have destroyed gardens. Many elderly persons say they go to bed hungry because of this problem.
Despite repeated complaints, no compensation has been offered to affected households. The Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Abim, Jasper Okoo, expressed frustration over the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s (UWA) inaction on the matter.
“We informed UWA about this issue, but they have not taken any action to help the residents,” said Okoo.
The EOC has pledged to follow up on these grievances, ensuring that duty bearers prioritise the needs of older persons in Abim.
“We will not relent in our efforts to ensure justice and equality for all,” Isabirye affirmed, leaving a glimmer of hope for Abim’s elderly population.
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