As Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) exercise near completion in Kagadi district, more than 1,000 older individuals across thirty-five sub-counties and town councils have expressed gratitude towards President Museveni for his support of their lifestyles and Easter celebrations through the Program.
However, they advocate for an increase in their monthly salary from 25,000 to 50,000 Ugandan Shillings.
Elderly residents today( 14th 03 2024) from various regions including Kagadi, Muhorro, Mabale, Ndaiga, Kyaterekera, and others, commended President Museveni for acknowledging their needs, contrasting it with neglect experienced during previous administrations under Obote and Amin.
Seperanza Nyinabahindi, 94, from Kabuga A village, described the gesture as unprecedented in her 70 years, expressing her intention to utilize the funds for basic necessities like sugar, soap, and salt.
Mary Majiji, residing in Bununkya, Muhorro sub-county, acknowledged the monthly support but urged for an increase due to the rising cost of living
Isaaya Bitarabeho of Kyankorogoto echoed similar sentiments, stressing that 25,000 Shillings falls short in meeting their essential needs.
SAGE Beneficiaries on salary increase
Apollo Muhumuza, the Muhorro sub-county LCIII Chairperson, highlighted challenges such as transportation costs and errors on national ID cards for potential beneficiaries.
Christine Ngabirano, the Centenary Bank sales supervisor and focal person for SAGE field payments, assured that issues concerning national identity cards are being addressed by relevant authorities such as the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
Ngondwe Posiano, the Kagadi District Community Development Officer, affirmed the smooth progress of the SAGE program, indicating that over 1,000 beneficiaries from 35 sub-counties and town councils have received 75,000 Shillings each for three months.
He says Each SAGE beneficiary is currently entitled to 25,000 Shillings per month.
The Exercise which started last week, its likely to end this week in the entire district.
The distribution of honoraria funds is managed by Centenary Bank Kagadi branch following initial challenges with Post Bank.
