*Common Cases of Elder Abuse Also Include False Accusations, Such as Witchcraft against Older Women: Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, Hon. Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu (MP) on the Occasion to Commemorate the UN World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
By John Kusolo*
12th June 2024, Uganda Media Centre, Kampala
Each year on the 15th of June, the world comes together to commemorate the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the abuse faced by older persons. Officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011, this day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the mistreatment and violation of older individuals' rights.
Uganda joins the international community on this significant day to highlight and create awareness of the rights of older persons and to commemorate and acknowledge their invaluable contributions to national development. On behalf of the Government, the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, through the Department of Disability and Elderly, in collaboration with the National Council for Older Persons and Age Care organizations, will lead the commemorations.
This day provides an opportunity to take stock of the interventions against rights abuse by the Government and other stakeholders and to raise awareness about the rights of older persons. The theme for this year is " Gender Based Violence in Old Age: A Call for Action."
The abuse of older persons is a global social challenge that significantly affects the health and human rights of thousands of older individuals. It is an issue that all Ugandans should be concerned about to ensure a dignified future for all as they age. Elder abuse encompasses any form of mistreatment inflicted on older persons, resulting in harm or loss.
An older person, in this context, is defined as anyone who has attained 60 years of age and above. Observance of this day brings to light the advantages society derives from protecting the rights of older persons and involving them in national development. Historically, older persons have faced various forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, psychological, financial, neglect, isolation, and self-neglect, often due to negative cultural and societal attitudes.
Common cases of elder abuse also include false accusations, such as witchcraft against older women, leading to severe punishments like banishment and physical abuse. According to the UBOS report 2021 on gender-based violence abuse and neglect against older women:
84% of the abuse took place in homes.
Relatives are the main perpetrators, with 31% reported by other relatives and 28% by their own children.
Males are the most significant abusers of older women aged 60-69 years at 59%, while older women aged 70+ years are mostly abused by females.
38% of older women were abused once, and 30% were abused 3-5 times in the previous 12 months of the UBOS survey.
Uganda's population is rapidly growing, now estimated at 45.2 million, with older persons projected to be 2.2 million according to the UBOS 2020 Statistical Abstract. We await the results of the recently concluded National Housing and Population Census 2024 to determine the exact population of older persons in the country.
Government's Efforts Towards Improving the Lives of Older Persons
a) Constitutional Provisions: The Constitution of Uganda provides a firm basis for social protection interventions. Relevant provisions in the National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy mandate the state to make reasonable provisions for the welfare and maintenance of the aged.
b) National Development Frameworks: Uganda's Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan (NDP) recognize the need for comprehensive social protection measures for different population categories to reduce vulnerability and enhance productivity.
c) Equal Opportunities Commission : This commission recognizes the inherent rights of all Ugandans, including older persons, to participate in the country's social, economic, and political affairs and promotes equal opportunities for all.
d) National Policy for Older Persons : The Revised National Policy for Older Persons 2024 follows an earlier policy from 2009. This revised policy addresses new and emerging issues in the development arena, particularly targeting the elimination of elder abuse. Key priorities include:
Establishment and regulation of homes for the elderly.
Provision of special lanes/service points/seats in public service delivery systems.
Inclusion of geriatric drugs and services in all health facilities.
Support for older persons to acquire land titles to mitigate violence associated with land ownership.
Initiation of geriatrics and gerontology courses in public universities.
e) National Social Protection Policy (2015): This policy provides a framework for social protection interventions, prioritizing vulnerable groups, including older persons.
f ) National Council for Older Persons Act, 2013: This Act demonstrates Uganda's commitment to promoting the well-being and rights of older persons.
To further actualize the protection and welfare of older persons, the Government of Uganda is running the Social Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP) for those aged 60-79. This program supports vulnerable older persons through income-generating activities, aiming to increase household income. Additionally, the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) targets older persons above 80 years, alongside a 10% loan-based fund under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
These interventions aim to ensure that the rights of older persons are not only promoted but also protected.
A Call to Action
It is everyone's responsibility to look out for the safety of older persons and create awareness to enable them to age with dignity. We must sensitize older persons about their rights as provided for in various legal and policy frameworks to reduce elder abuse. Collaboration with all stakeholders across government and civil society is essential to promote dignified ageing, ensuring that all older persons in the country live dignified lives through a comprehensive social protection system.
As I conclude, I inform you that the national celebrations will be held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on Saturday, 15th June 2024. The Government, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, calls upon all Ugandans, including the media, to respect and promote the rights of older persons to enable them to age gracefully. I extend my gratitude to all partner organizations, especially the National Council for Older Persons, for their contributions to this event and encourage more partners to join this noble cause for the safety of our senior citizens.
Hon. Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu (MP)
Minister of State for Elderly Affairs,
Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development
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