NGOs launch platform to promote rights, wellbeing older persons
A group of eight age care organisations has launched a platform that focuses on promoting rights and wellbeing of older persons in the country.
Named HelpAge Advocacy Network Uganda (HANU), the platform comprises 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 (ROHU), Community Based Rehabilitation Alliance Ltd (COMBRA), and Voice of the Elderly.
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Speaking during the launch at Piato Restaurant in Kampala, the HANU chairperson, Arthur Namara Araali said the move to create the platform aligns with the Ugandan government’s preference to work with a unified network that brings together all organisations dedicated to ageing.
“Each member brings a unique focus to the collective effort, ranging from health care to community rehabilitation, support for grandmothers, palliative care, youth outreach, ministry services, and advocacy for older people. We want to champion age-friendly policies and programmes, safeguard the rights and wellbeing of older people, and elevate care standards through research, innovation, and best practices,” Namara said.
He explained that central to their goals, is the establishment of a dynamic collaborative platform and resource hub.
“Here, members can freely exchange best practices, knowledge, and innovative ideas, fostering a vibrant community of learning and growth. We are also dedicated to pooling resources collectively and bolstering the capacity of ageing care organisations. We not only want to provide continuous support but also to champion the inclusion of older people across Uganda.”
Col Patrick Apuuli, the national coordinator for older persons in State House welcomed the move by the organisations to create a platform through which they can advocate for rights of older persons.
“This platform is timely now that these organisations are working to champion rights for older persons under the same platform. As government, we have so many platforms for the older persons but many of them are not known. We hope this platform will help us disseminate information about these government programs,” Apuuli said.
He explained that under the Social Enterprise Grant for Older Persons, government provides grants to older persons to help them start income generating enterprises but noted that many are not aware.
“We want HANU to monitor the implementation of this program and get back to us with information on the progress.”
“During the Parish Development Model, government set aside 10% for older persons but not many of these know about this. We want HANU to help us create awareness of these programs.”
