Written by Fatumah Nakabuye, MSW ’25 Candidate, Brown School
A Life of Hard Work, No Rest in Old Age
Imagine working tirelessly for decades, only to spend your final years in poverty, struggling to afford a single meal. This is the reality for 82-year-old Mama Achen, who wakes before dawn to sell bananas to make a living. Unfortunately, she is not alone, millions of elderly Ugandans face similar hardships, with no pensions, healthcare, or social support. Instead of enjoying rest with family, aging for many Ugandans means is a time of continued work.
The Vanishing Family Support System
Her story is not unique. The challenges facing Uganda’s population of older adults stem from systemic issues particularly the collapse of traditional family support and the lack of a formal social security system. A 2024 report from the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority states that over 85% of Uganda’s workforce operates in the informal sector, meaning they retire without pensions or savings. In the past, extended families provided for aging relatives, but economic hardships, urban migration, and changing societal values have weakened these support systems. Without family assistance or government aid, many older Ugandans are left to fend for themselves, facing poverty and neglect.
A Silent Health Crisis
Beyond financial struggles, aging in Uganda also comes with severe health risks. Non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis are on the rise, yet the healthcare system lacks the resources to provide adequate elderly care. A 2019 World Health Organization report found that 33% of deaths in Uganda result from these chronic diseases. Despite this, rural health centers lack geriatric specialists and essential medications. Many older Ugandans suffer in silence, unable to afford treatment or travel long distances to hospitals.
A Call to Action: Prioritizing the Elderly in Uganda
The way a society treats its older adult population speaks volumes about its values. If we do not act now, we risk abandoning an entire generation.
The Ugandan government must expand social protection programs like the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) to reach more older people, especially in rural areas. Communities must develop food aid and healthcare programs to support aging populations. Individuals can contribute by donating to HelpAge or volunteering with local organizations that provide essential services to older people. Small actions, whether supporting an older neighbor, advocating for policy changes, or contributing to local initiatives can make a big difference. Aging should not mean suffering; it should mean dignity.
A Personal Reflection
Listening to Mama Achen’s struggles made me reflect on my own family. What if my grandparents had no pension or access to healthcare? The thought is unsettling. But for millions of older Ugandans, this is not a hypothetical; it is their reality. Without immediate action, we risk abandoning an entire generation. It is time for Uganda to rethink how we care for our elderly because everyone deserves to age with dignity and peace.
This post is part of a series of blog posts written by students in the Brown School’s Contemporary Perspectives on Aging course taught by Center for Aging co-Director, Nancy Morrow-Howell.