By John Kusolo
Herbert Kasirye Zadde Chairman, Old Persons Bukasa Parish, Muyenga Village, Makindye Division, Kampala and also a member of Bukasa Bakkade Twezimbe group which received part of the 45 Million Ugnada Shillings SEGOP funds calls upon government to reduce on the time frame court takes to hear land disputes as many die without getting justice. He also appeals to society to avail facilities that are easily accessible by old persons because when it rains in his area which is muddy, it is not easy for an old person to access the toilet. He appeals to government to come up with interventions that help old persons in Uganda. He made the remarks on the sidelines of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day held on 16th June 2023 at Imperial Royale Hotel hosted by the Ministry of gender, Labour, and social development. 
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is a global initiative designated by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect. It takes place annually on June 15th and aims to shed light on the mistreatment and suffering experienced by older persons worldwide. The day serves as an opportunity to promote a better understanding of elder abuse and neglect and to encourage actions to combat this issue.
In Uganda, older persons are recognized as one of the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) deserving special interventions due to their vulnerability, as stated in the country’s constitution. The purpose of WEAAD in Uganda is to create awareness and understanding of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic factors that contribute to elder abuse and neglect. By highlighting these issues, the goal is to promote the well-being and protection of older persons.
Elder abuse encompasses various forms of mistreatment that result in harm or loss to an older person. This can include physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect and isolation. Older persons deserve the same dignity, respect, and rights as people of all age groups. Unfortunately, age-related discrimination and abuse are common challenges faced by older persons in Uganda.
Physical abuse involves the use of physical force that leads to bodily injury, pain, or impairment. It includes acts such as assault, battery, and inappropriate restraint. Sexual abuse refers to non-consensual sexual contact with an older person. Domestic violence, which is an escalating pattern of violence by an intimate partner, can also affect older persons. Psychological abuse involves the infliction of mental or emotional anguish through threats, humiliation, or other forms of verbal or nonverbal behavior. Financial abuse occurs when an older person’s funds, property, or resources are illegally or improperly used. Neglect and isolation refer to the failure of a caregiver to fulfill their responsibilities in providing care, while self-neglect involves an older person’s failure to meet their essential needs.
Ageism and discrimination against older persons are prevalent in Uganda, exacerbating the issue of elder abuse. Common cases of abuse include physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, neglect, witchcraft-related abuse resulting in beatings or banishment, economic abuse such as deprivation of assets, and land grabbing.
The theme for the commemoration of WEAAD in Uganda this year was “Seniors Deserve Our Respect and Attention.” This theme emphasizes the importance of respecting and honoring senior citizens for their significant contributions to the country’s development. It calls for all actors in society to acknowledge and appreciate the elderly population.
With a growing global population of older persons and increasing longevity, elder abuse is a serious problem that affects health, human rights, and can even lead to death. To prevent ageism and address elder abuse, it is crucial to raise awareness about the issue and its consequences. Hon. Gidudu Mafwabi, the Minister of State for Elderly Affairs in Uganda, emphasizes the vulnerability of older persons and the barriers they face in seeking help, such as limited access to information and isolation. He calls upon stakeholders to come together to expose and prevent elder abuse and ensure appropriate responses when abuse occurs.
The government of Uganda has taken specific actions to address elder abuse among older persons. These include provisions in the Constitution for the protection and welfare of the aged, the enactment of the Older Persons Act, the establishment of the National Council for Older Persons, representation of older persons in parliament, the national social protection policy, the NRM Manifesto commitments, the revision of the national policy for older persons, engagement of older persons in the Parish development model, and the implementation of social protection programs such as the Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP).
SEGOP, designed as a temporary measure, aims to bridge gaps in the pension scheme and support the socio-economic well-being of older persons. Over 540 groups (approximately 5,400 older persons in Uganda) have been verified and cleared to receive funds through SEGOP by the end of June 2023.
By implementing these measures and raising awareness through initiatives like WEAAD, Uganda strives to protect the rights and well-being of older persons and address the issue of elder abuse in the country.
At the same event, three Media Personalities from Salt TV, New Vison received media awards as the best reporters on Old Persons issues.