Kampala: Uganda’s elderly population continues to face significant challenges, with many enduring various forms of abuse, neglect, and isolation due to negative cultural and societal attitudes, according to Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu, the Minister of State for Elderly Affairs.
In a statement released on June 12 to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Gidudu highlighted the persistent and alarming trend of elder abuse.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, the minister referred to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2021 report on gender-based violence, abuse, and neglect against older women. The report underscores the severity of the issue, documenting the widespread maltreatment of elderly women in Uganda.
The report reveals that 84 percent of abuse incidents occur within homes, with relatives being the primary perpetrators. “Notably, 31 percent of these cases involve other relatives, while 28 percent involve the victims’ own children. Males are identified as the main abusers of older women aged 60–69, accounting for 59 percent of cases, whereas females are predominantly responsible for the abuse of women aged 70 and above,” according to the statement.
The UBOS report further details the frequency of abuse, indicating that 38 percent of older women were abused once, and 30 percent experienced abuse 3-5 times within the previous 12 months of the survey. This recurrent mistreatment underscores the urgent need for societal change and protective measures.
A particularly disturbing form of elder abuse involves false accusations of witchcraft against older women, “often leading to severe punishments such as banishment and physical violence.” These accusations not only isolate the victims but also expose them to heightened risks of harm and neglect.
Uganda’s rapidly growing population, now estimated at 45.2 million, includes a significant number of older persons projected at 2.2 million according to the UBOS 2020 Statistical Abstract. The recently concluded National Housing and Population Census 2024 is expected to provide updated figures on the exact population of older people in the country.
The minister said the issue of elder abuse in Uganda requires immediate attention and action. Addressing the root causes, such as entrenched cultural beliefs and societal attitudes, is crucial. Implementing comprehensive policies and support systems to protect the elderly from abuse and ensure their well-being is essential. This includes raising awareness, enhancing legal protections, and providing resources for victims to seek help and justice.
In summary, the minister’s statements and the findings from the UBOS report paint a grim picture of the realities faced by Uganda’s elderly population. The high incidence of abuse within homes and the involvement of close relatives as perpetrators call for a concerted effort from all sectors of society to create a safe and respectful environment for older people.