Living a long life
is a great achievement and the older persons of Uganda have made immense
contributions to building and developing the country. This includes caring for
their grandchildren, especially orphans, many of whom have been affected by HIV
and AIDS.
In fact, 1.8 million children are currently
living with older persons. Grandmothers, in particular, play an important role in
caring for their grandchildren which enables working age parents to produce
food for their families or enter the labour market.
Older persons continue to guide and inculcate
Ugandan cultural values in their children and grandchildren, as well as
preserving Uganda’s rich and diverse cultures. A case in point is this grandmother
in Nalutuntu sub-county she is 76 years and she takes care of seven (7) grand
children many of them have lost parents to HIV/AIDS. “They are my grand
children and i love them I will continue to take care of them as long as am
still alive. I have lost three sons and two daughters to HIV/AIDS. ‘Mukeneya ya
tujira’ AIDS is terrible! Maria Teresa
laments.”
