By Maria Mariam Namala
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has admitted that government does not have an accurate national database showing the number of elderly persons and people with disabilities (PWDs) in Uganda, raising concerns about effective planning and service delivery to the vulnerable groups.
Patrick Menya, the Assistant Commissioner responsible for Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities in the ministry, said government has largely relied on statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), whose figures have also been contested.
Menya made the disclosure on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected leaders representing older persons and people with disabilities at Wakiso District headquarters.
He challenged the newly sworn-in councils to establish reliable records of elderly persons and PWDs within their respective communities to help local governments and the central government plan and allocate resources more effectively.
According to Menya, accurate population data would enable government to identify beneficiaries and improve the delivery of services, particularly given the limited funding currently available for vulnerable groups.
He urged the leaders to work closely with the ministry’s technical officials to ensure that government assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.
Menya also cautioned them against allowing personal interests to interfere with their responsibilities, emphasising the need for teamwork and accountability.
He expressed concern over cases of individuals allegedly presenting themselves at the ministry as persons with disabilities without being able to demonstrate or substantiate their claims, saying proper identification was necessary to prevent abuse of government support programmes.
Wakiso District Clerk to Council Annet Ssesanga (R) presides over the swearing-in of David Mukiibi (L) as the newly elected Chairperson of Older Persons during the ceremony for elderly persons and PWDs at Wakiso District Headquarters on Wednesday November 4th 2026.
The Assistant Commissioner further highlighted the challenges facing older persons, particularly land grabbing, which he said had left some elderly citizens vulnerable to losing their property.
He encouraged the new leaders to prioritise protecting older persons’ rights and ensuring that their concerns receive attention from relevant authorities.
Menya also cautioned the elected representatives against expecting government to provide them with vehicles, reminding them that their primary responsibility was to serve the communities that elected them.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wakiso District Chairperson for Older Persons Daud Mukiibi called on government to address delays and gaps affecting the payment of monthly benefits to elderly citizens.
Mukiibi also proposed that older persons be represented on management committees at different levels, including health facility management structures, to ensure their concerns are incorporated into decision-making.
Wakiso District Vice Chairperson Edward Sentalo called for increased government funding for older persons and people with disabilities, arguing that the existing allocations were insufficient to address their needs.
He encouraged vulnerable communities to participate in government development programmes while urging leaders to ensure that available resources are distributed fairly among eligible beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, Assistant Resident District Commissioner Eria Muwanga Lutaaya, who represented RDC Justine Mbabazi, challenged the newly elected leaders to monitor government-funded projects and ensure they deliver the intended benefits.
Lutaaya said the election period was over and called on the representatives to concentrate on fulfilling their responsibilities rather than engaging in political activities.
Wakiso District Chairperson for Persons with Disabilities Musa Musinguzi commended President Yoweri Museveni for supporting the representation of PWDs at different levels of leadership.
However, he appealed for increased government funding, citing mobility challenges and the additional costs faced by people with disabilities in accessing essential services and participating in community activities.