SENIOR CITIZENS IN SOROTI START RECEIVING MONTHLY SUPPORT UNDER SAGE PROGRAMME

Senior citizens aged 80 years and above in Soroti District have begun receiving their monthly financial support under the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) program.

The payment exercise, spearheaded by the Department of Community-Based Services, kicked off on 23rd June 2025 in Arapai Sub County.

According to Ms. Sarah Aguti, the Senior Community Development Officer in charge of gender and the SAGE Focal Point Person for Soroti District, this year’s exercise targets over 1,900 elderly beneficiaries across all 12 sub-counties.

Each eligible senior citizen will receive a monthly stipend of 25,000 Ugandan shillings directly from the government.

“The monthly stipend of 25,000 shillings is intended to support our senior citizens in fighting poverty and meeting their basic needs such as food, clothing, and medical care,” Aguti said. “It is part of the government’s commitment to protect vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly who have no regular source of income.”

She added that before the actual payments, the district conducted a series of community mobilization and sensitization campaigns to ensure that the elderly and their caretakers were aware of the program, the eligibility requirements, and how to access the funds.

Aguti also noted that the district is working closely with village councils, parish chiefs, and sub-county officials to verify and enroll all eligible elderly persons, as transparency and accuracy are key to the program's success.

One of the first beneficiaries, 83-year-old Akello Maria from Arapai Sub County, expressed gratitude for the support. “This money may seem little, but it helps me buy sugar, soap, and sometimes medicine. I thank the government for remembering us.”

The SAGE payments are made directly into the beneficiaries’ accounts or through mobile money, depending on their choice, to avoid delays and ensure safety.

With this initiative, Soroti District continues to demonstrate commitment to improving the lives of its senior citizens, promoting social inclusion, and reducing old-age poverty. The payment exercise is expected to continue across all sub-counties in the coming weeks.

The SAGE program, which falls under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, was first introduced in Soroti District during the 2019/2020 financial year as part of the broader Social Protection agenda by the Government of Uganda. Its main objective is to provide regular and predictable income to senior citizens to enhance their livelihood and dignity

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By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer Soroti