Break fast meeting with Hon. Minister of older persons

By Ivan

The minister in his speech recalled 1^st October 2009 where the government launched the National Policy for Older Persons which prioritized HIV/ AIDS prevention and general health of the elder persons.

The minister further noted that the policies clearly roll out the roles of the civil society and the implementing organizations are complementing his roles.

The honorable Minister also told the congregation that the older persons are both affected and infected by HIV in two ways; in their sexual activeness and care of orphans who are left with them as a result of their parents dying of HIV/AIDS and advocating for their rights is looking at the burden that these persons are faced with.

He further noted that the government of Uganda is so concerned about the issues of older persons and as such a full department ministry was set up to address the issues of elder persons. Other actors have however not shown concern about the issues of the elder persons.




Honorable Minister for Elderly and the Disability Suleiman Madada addressing HIV/AIDS advocacy group for older persons.

 He assured the congregation that the government has just launched a social protection programme with a full component on social protection called Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) is providing a monthly income to elder persons of 23,000/=.

The Minister pointed out affirmative action that is stressed in the Ugandan constitution and can be used to influence policy, he also wanted to know what URAA and other members of the advocacy group are planning to do with the findings from the surveys conducted regarding the issues of older persons and HIV/AIDS.

“When we talk about HIV/AIDS, we should ensure that the rights of the elder persons are addressed and to achieve development, the issues of the human development need not be ignored hence the need for all persons present to take the issues ahead.” The Minister concluded.