Politics 11 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
MP Kakooza Slams Ageism in Uganda, Calls for Better Elderly Support
James Kakooza, the new MP representing elderly persons from Buganda in the 12th Parliament, criticizes widespread ageism in Uganda and urges policy reforms for dignified aging. He highlights inadequate support like the SAGE grant and pushes for digital payments and better healthcare amid a growing elderly population. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/demonising-older-people-reflects-badly-on-uganda-says-mp-kakooza-5420520
James Kakooza, a former State Minister for Health and MP for Kabula County, is set to represent elderly persons from the Buganda sub-region in Uganda’s 12th Parliament. After serving at the East African Legislative Assembly, the 64-year-old politician is vocal about the challenges facing those over 60.
Kakooza describes life after 60 as a ‘battlefield of diseases,’ stressing the need for policy shifts to ensure dignity in old age. He notes that while the 1995 Constitution provides affirmative action, the elderly only gained parliamentary representation in 2021, unlike women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
He criticizes negative attitudes portraying seniors as incompetent or burdensome, including state shortcomings like the SAGE program’s meager Shs25,000 monthly grant, set to rise to Shs35,000 in 2026/2027. Kakooza advocates for digital transfers to spare elderly long queues.
Uganda’s elderly population, now at 2.3 million and projected to reach six million by 2050, faces rising life expectancy from 63.7 years in 2014 to 68.5 in 2024. Yet, many lack affordable medical care despite their contributions to the nation.
Kakooza faults his predecessor for inaction and pledges to combat stereotypes and discrimination. He acknowledges President Museveni’s age but emphasizes MPs’ role in driving reforms for special groups like the elderly.
This story originated from Daily Monitor (Uganda).