Elderly people are calling on the government to lower the age for pension allowances, arguing that the proposed age of 80 years is too high for many struggling seniors to benefit from the government initiative.
On Sunday, January 5, 2024, the elderly community received basic packages from the Evangelical Church in Masese, Jinja City. The seniors argued that even the 25,000 UGX they receive monthly is insufficient, given their special needs and healthcare expenses.
Ahamada Mukama, the coordinator of elderly persons in the Eastern Region, commended the government for recognizing the elderly in its transformative programs but expressed dissatisfaction that the inclusion is not adequate.
“I always mobilize my colleagues, but I may reach a village and fail to find an 80-year-old person. This means the age limit of 80 years is too high,” Mukama said.
Mukama proposed that the government lower the age limit to at least 70 years for disadvantaged elderly people to benefit from the pension. He emphasized that these individuals have significantly contributed to the country and therefore deserve special treatment.
“The elderly are the mothers and fathers, the Members of Parliament, and even the president. I don’t see why these authorities do not consider a lower age threshold than 80 years,” Mukama added.
The Evangelical Church, led by Pastor Charles Kawoya, also embarked on charitable activities, donating essential home items to the elderly and other individuals struggling to make ends meet.
The relief items, including food, sugar, soap, mattresses, jerry cans, and basins, are part of an annual initiative carried out by the Pentecostal church to help the needy.
“We do this at the beginning of every year, following the scripture that commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves. We always sacrifice and sow our seeds to help those in need, especially the elderly,” Pastor Kawoya explained.
He added, “This year, we slaughtered at least nine cows, distributed over a ton of rice, a ton of sugar, and countless mattresses to our people.”
The beneficiaries of these items include not only church members but also area residents and believers of various faiths from Masese, Walukuba, Danida, Kikolomojjo, and other slums in the city.
Pastor Kawoya stated that the church collaborates with political leaders and other well-wishers to contribute to this important charity. Ultimately, at least 3,000 people benefited from the initiative.
However, Pastor Kawoya also stressed that the pension for the elderly should be increased to 100,000 UGX per month, advocating for timely consideration of this matter.
“Their money should be delivered on time and it should be increased, as these are the parents of the country,” he said.
In addition, Pastor Kawoya donated a motor vehicle, an Isuzu Canter Box Body (UAM 010N), to Mr. Richard Bwire, one of his church members. He described this act as a calling from God.
The pastor, who noted that this was the sixth vehicle donated to different families, said, “The Lord spoke to me and told me to give this vehicle to Mr. Bwire and his family to help them start a business. It is a business vehicle with all the necessary documentation, and I urge them to utilize it well.”
The surprised beneficiary, Mr. Bwire, who was accompanied by his wife, could hardly believe the miracle that had occurred at the start of the new year. He pledged to use the vehicle to earn a living.
Godfrey Ngobi, a 73-year-old resident of Masese, Jinja City, is one of the beneficiaries. He praised the church for giving back to the community and acknowledged that the items he received would sustain him throughout the hot January.
“We struggle a lot to make a living, but when such things are done for us, it gives us strength,” the elderly Ngobi said.
Meanwhile, Ms. Florence Namatende, a resident of Budhumbuli village, expressed her pleasure after receiving essential items for home use.
