C-News Bureau Chief
KAMPALA – In the bustling capital, Kampala, where the population is rapidly growing and the vibrancy of youth fills the air, there is a group of individuals who often find themselves marginalized and vulnerable. Older persons, projected to number around four million out of Uganda’s total population of 45.2 million, face a range of challenges that threaten their well-being and human rights.
Situational analysis reports have revealed a distressing statistic: about 2 to 3% (or 135,000) of older persons in Uganda experience some form of abuse. What makes this situation even more disheartening is that the perpetrators of elder abuse are often relatives and young people. Land conflicts, sexual and gender-based violence, and neglect are the most common forms of abuse that older persons endure, the Minister of state for Elderly Affairs Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu (MP) said during the commemoration of the UN World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 14.
One of the key factors contributing to elder abuse, the minister said, is the intergenerational disconnect, as some young people struggle to cope with modernization and the erosion of cultural norms and values that once emphasized respect for their elders. It is a challenge that requires urgent attention and collective efforts from every sector of Ugandan society, the minister said.
Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue, Uganda has chosen the theme “Seniors Deserve our Respect and Attention” for this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The theme serves as a reminder that older persons are not only the custodians of knowledge but also continue to contribute to the development of the country, he said. Every individual in the nation is called upon to respect and honor senior citizens, highlighting their invaluable role in society.
Raising awareness about elder abuse and its consequences is a crucial step in preventing ageism and ensuring the well-being of older persons. Globally, the population of older persons is increasing, and the United Nations declaration of 2020 has called for a 10-year global strategy, spanning from 2021 to 2030, to improve the lives of older persons, their families, and their communities. This strategy emphasizes collaboration among governments, civil society, international agencies, professionals, academia, media, and the private sector.
Every year, on June 15, the world commemorates World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, providing a platform to shed light on the suffering and abuses inflicted upon older persons. This day serves as a reminder that elder abuse is not just a global social issue but also a pressing problem in Uganda, affecting the health and human rights of thousands of older individuals. Recognizing the significance of this issue, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in December 2011, designating the 15th of June for its observance.
Uganda joins the global community in highlighting and creating awareness about the rights of older persons. It is an opportunity to acknowledge and commemorate their contributions to the development of the country. Elder abuse is defined as any form of mistreatment resulting in harm or loss for an older person, with the age threshold set at 60 years and above in Uganda. By observing this day, society can better understand the benefits derived from protecting the rights of older persons and involving them in national development, the minister said.
Throughout history, older persons have often been excluded from national development due to negative cultural practices that have perpetuated their abuse. Age-related discrimination poses one of the most common challenges faced by older persons in the exercise of their human rights in Uganda.
Fortunately, the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides a solid basis for social protection interventions. The National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy mandate the state to make reasonable provisions for the welfare and maintenance of the aged. Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan (NDP) recognize the importance of comprehensive social protection measures for different population categories to reduce vulnerability and enhance productivity.
Moreover, the National Equal Opportunities Commission promotes equal opportunities for all, including older persons, to participate in social, economic, and political affairs of the country. The National Policy for Older Persons serves as a framework to guide interventions aimed at eliminating elder abuse, highlighting its importance as one of the priority areas of focus.
As Uganda commemorates World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the nation demonstrates its commitment to protecting and respecting its older citizens. By upholding the rights of older persons and ensuring their active involvement in national development, Uganda can embrace the wisdom and experience that this invaluable group offers, creating a society that cherishes and values people of all ages.
