NRM Serere Flag Bearer Eng. Martin Onguruco Hails Government for Lowering SAGE Eligibility Age
NRM Serere Flag Bearer Eng. Martin Onguruco Hails Government for Lowering SAGE Eligibility Age
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Serere District, Eng. Martin Onguruco, has welcomed and commended the Government of Uganda for its decision to lower the eligibility age for the Senior Citizens Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) from 80 to 65 years.
Speaking to mourners at various burial ceremonies in Serere on Saturday, Onguruco highlighted that Cabinet had recently approved comprehensive reforms to expand access to social protection for older persons. The new changes will take effect in the 2026/27 financial year.
The long-awaited announcement was earlier this week made by the Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, Hon. Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu, during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre. According to Hon. Gidudu, the SAGE budget will increase from Shs 252.16 billion to Shs 373.36 billion to cater for up to 1,048,598 beneficiaries aged 65 years and above.
Onguruco said the current eligibility age of 80 years has excluded many elderly citizens who continue to face significant challenges, despite being vulnerable and in need of support.
“The previous age limit only benefited a handful of people. Many elders who are below 80 years but still struggling have been crying out for support. The new changes will restore fairness and dignity to our senior citizens,” Onguruco said.
He added that some citizens had previously viewed the SAGE program as discriminatory, leading to misunderstandings about its purpose. Onguruco emphasized that elderly people face numerous hardships such as poor health, lack of clothing, inadequate food, and poor housing—issues he believes government must continue to prioritize.
The NRM flag bearer encouraged the government to further strengthen, expand, and sustain social protection programs, saying that “we are all candidates for old age.”
Onguruco also urged older persons to participate actively in the ongoing National Identity Card Renewal and Registration exercise, saying a valid national ID is essential for one to benefit from government development programs, including the newly expanded SAGE scheme.
“Without a national ID, accessing these funds will be difficult. I encourage all elders and community members to register or renew their national IDs in time,” he emphasized.
As he concluded his address, Onguruco called on the community to continue supporting the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whom he credited for maintaining peace, stability, economic empowerment, and transparency in Uganda.
