Clare
Rev. Fr. Dr. Paschal Kabura, the Director of Uganda Martyr’s University Fort Portal Campus, has called for the defense and advocacy for the rights of the elderly, especially concerning their property.
He made this plea during a one-day celebration of the elderly at Kinyamasika in Fort Portal Tourism City organized by the Bishop Magambo Councellors Training Institute, that brought together elderly men and women from various parts of the city to commemorate their special day.
Fr. Kabura, in his address, raised a concern about children or relatives who sometimes attempt to control the property of the elderly, thereby denying them their rightful ownership and control over their possessions.
“Some times an old man wants to sell of part of his land that he worked for during his youthfulness to go to a good hospital for treatment, but the relatives or children do not allow him thinking it must be inherited by them. This is a wrong mindset that we must fight.” Noted Fr Kabura
He further noted the shrinking efforts in churches to cater for the elderly, emphasizing the fact that it is a responsibility for every Ugandan to lend a hand in supporting these old men and Women.
Fr. Kabura emphasizes that a nation neglecting both the elderly and the young is heading towards a grim future. He highlights this concern in light of the government’s rejection of their advocacy efforts to increase the assistance provided to these individuals through the SAGE program, which cited a lack of funds as the reason for declining the proposal at the present time.
Elderly Seek for Market Connections
Nesta Bonabaana, an 82-year-old resident from Kitumba in Fort Portal City, shared her perspective on earning income in her old age, expressing a preference to engage in handiwork for financial sustenance. She however finds a challenge of lacking market for her hand made baskets and bags.
Bonabaana appealed to authorities to intervene by facilitating connections to markets for elderly individuals engaged in such activities.
Evanice Basemera 89, a retired nurse, explained to us that she only acquired SAGE money thrice, and that she was surprised to be cut off the program by the authorities who said that she was earning pension.
“I have never earned any pension, even after being cut off the SAGE program I have no where to report to because no one is willing to help me out since I am old.” said Basemera.
She also showed no interests in following up on the matter and program, revealing that she has moved on with hand crafts.
Basemera commended Fr. Kabura and the Bishop Magambo Counsellor Training Institute for organizing the event, expressing gratitude for the opportunity it provided to bring people together. She noted that these gatherings evoke cherished memories, allowing old friends to reunite and celebrate as a family. Additionally, Basemera emphasized the practical benefit of such functions, enabling them to showcase and sell their goods in a market-like setting, contributing to economic opportunities for the attendees.
Churches asked to cater for the elderly
Rt. Rev. Rauben Kisembo Amooti, the Bishop of Ruwenzori and Chairperson of the Inter-religious Council Fort Portal Chapter, encouraged the elderly to stay innovative and engage in handiwork for income.
Additionally, he urged religious leaders in the region to establish mechanisms for identifying and supporting elderly members within their respective churches.
