The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Programme has received 135 motorcycles to support the implementation of the Senior Citizens Grant (SCG) under the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE).
The State Minister for Elderly and the Disabled Sarah Kanyike flagged off the trucks loaded with motorcycles at a colourful function which took place at Kololo ceremonial grounds on today December 8, 2020. Due to the #Covid-19 pandemic, a few Chief Administrative Officers were present to receive the motorcycles. Other districts will receive the bikes through the Regional Offices across the country. Ms Kanyike appreciated the challenges field staff go through to implement Programme activities.
“it is for this reason, that my Ministry, working together with Development Partners agreed to provide means of transport to our field staff to enable them reach out to older persons. The motorcycles we are handing over today will greatly support the implementation of the Programme” She said.
Government, in partnership with Development Partners; Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Irish Aid, procured the motorcycles to support the implementation of the SAGE Programme at the grassroots.
The Senior Community Development Officer (SCDO) is the SAGE Focal Person at the district. Working together with the Regional Technical Support Units of the Programme, The SCDOs are continually in touch with the Sub-county and Parish Chiefs, mainly to do mobilization work for the Programme. The provision of the motorcycles will support the day to day running of Programme activities by the SAGE Focal Persons.
The programme provides monthly grants of Shs25,000 to older persons who are 80 years and above in 135 districts. The Senior Citizens Grant was started 10 years ago, with the intention of enabling older persons meet their basic needs, access basic services, and to start income generating activities in their communities. The Programme has since been rollout to cover all districts in Uganda.
