INADEQUATE FUNDS TOP ELDERLY ISSUES IN MADI SUB-REGION
By Ganiko Samson Bullen
Moyo
Councilors representing the elderly persons in the three districts of Moyo, Obongi, and Adjumani (Madi sub-region) have raised a major challenge of inadequate funding, which is hindering their activities.
They voiced this concern on Thursday April 24, 2025, at Moyo People’s Hall during the visit of the MP representing the elderly persons in Northern Uganda, Hon. Akumu Catherine Mavenjian, as she toured the West Nile region.
Drava Michael, commonly known as the Senior Citizen, Mobilizer for elderly persons in Moyo district, said there have been irregularities with the SAGE program.
"Under the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) program, if you see the report from the Community Development Officer, in a year you will find not more than four groups benefiting from the program," Drava noted.
He added that considering the total number of parishes in the district, it has been extremely difficult for the community.
Meanwhile, Nduwga Angelo Alule, Chairperson for elderly persons in Adjumani district, said funds meant to support the elderly persons have taken too long to reach them and called for increased funding.
"Inadequate funds for older persons, especially under the SAGE program, need urgent attention. It’s taken too long. If you visit the district, you will see many files are just piling up," he pointed out.
He added that there is a pressing need to increase funding to reach more elderly persons.
Similarly, Ameko Jimmy Wale, on behalf of the Community Development Officer Moyo, said they have continued to experience challenges with mobilization at certain pay points, mainly due to uncommitted parish chiefs after the support for radio announcements was stopped.
However, Hon. Akumu Catherine Mavenjian assured the elders that some of the issues raised will be taken up by her department, the Ministry of Gender, and others will be presented in Parliament.
"We still have time; we are still the government in power. We will look into these challenges," she noted.
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