Help Age Advocacy Network unveils a 5-year strategy to enhance the welfare, dignity of older persons in Uganda.

On 12^th September 2024, Help Age Advocacy Network Uganda (HANU), a member-based organization, launched its 5-year strategy to run from 2024/25-2028/29 to enhance the welfare, dignity, and rights among older persons in Uganda.

The inaugural launch of the strategy coincided with the official launch of HANU which intends to articulate the organization's mission, vision, and strategic objectives through the strategy for the well-being of older persons in Uganda.

According to HANU members, the strategic plan serves as a guiding document for members’ efforts to champion the rights and needs of older Ugandans, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing the challenges faced by this demographic category.

Col. Apuuli Brown

While launching HANU and the strategy at Piato Restaurant the Chief Guest, Hon Mafabi Dominic, State Minister for the Elderly Elderly in The Ministry Of Gender, Labour and Social Development, represented by Col. Apuuli Brown Head of the Elders League in the same ministry while congratulating HANU for the milestone called for continued collaboration with HANU to such other government programs targeting the elderly.

“I urge members of HANU to continue informing the elderly in Uganda to participate in all programs, We have programs such as Special Entrepreneur Grant for the Elderly People (SEGOP) where a selected group of ten people are supported in different communities with five million to invest in enterprises together will other programs like Parish Development Model (PDM)” he said

He pledged support to HANU in achieving their objectives, especially in the areas of the ministry mandate, while calling upon the leadership of HANU to communicate to the ministry their activities to ensure the sustainability of programs for the elderly.

“This is a major milestone in championing the rights & well-being of older persons in Uganda. I would like to urge HANU and other organizations to raise awareness and ensure that older persons in every district are informed about SELP and other government initiatives. Let us work together to create a better future for our older persons, ensuring their rights, dignity, and welfare are upheld” he added

The Board Chairperson HANU Mr. Namara Arthur Araali, said that the launch marks a significant milestone following the transition of the Help Age International country office in Uganda. This new chapter enables HANU to take ownership of advocating for the rights and needs of older persons in Uganda

 has been established as a key component of HelpAge International's localization strategy, aimed at empowering local organizations to drive decision-making and prioritize the needs of their communities

Mr. Arthur Namara Araali

He said the members’ networking is the key to progress, change, and success. HANU is dedicated to empowering older persons in Uganda, committed to creating a platform that not only connects individuals and organizations but also one that fosters learning, mutual support and strengthening.

“The formation of HANU creates a sense of ownership and unity towards ensuring the wellbeing of elderly people in the country. HANU is committed to creating a platform that connects individuals and organizations and fosters learning, mutual support, and strengthening. The primary goal is to unify all organizations in Uganda under one umbrella. By fostering connections and collaborations, we can drive meaningful progress, inspire transformative change, and achieve remarkable success” he said

In her address at the HANU launch, Ms. Emily Kemigisha from Help Age Uganda, commended the eight pioneer directors, stressing that their success resulted from a shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and unity. She said that The comprehensive strategy document outlines a framework for driving positive change and improving the welfare of older adults in Uganda. 

In the Strategic Plan, There are prioritizes three key pillars: health advocacy, economic empowerment, and enhanced representation.

It aims to: Champion age-friendly policies and programs, Safeguard the rights and dignity of older individuals, Enhance the quality of care and support services for elderly persons across Uganda

HANU founding membership consists of Reach One Touch One Ministries Uganda (ROTOM), Health Nest Uganda (HENU), Uganda Reach the Ages Association (URAA), Grandmothers Consortium (GMC), Palliative Care Association Uganda (PCAU), Reach a Hand Uganda among others