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Minister Gidudu, emphasized the need for stronger regulations due to the weakened family support system, which leaves caregivers with limited time to attend to the elderly
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By Our Reporter
The Ugandan government has revealed alarming statistics showing that 86% of the country’s elderly population are neglected and isolated by their caregivers, while nearly half suffer from abuse. According to findings from the 2024 Uganda Population and Housing Census, 44.7% of elderly people are victims of domestic violence, and 49% endure psychological abuse through threats, humiliation, and other harmful behaviors. The census highlighted that older persons aged 60 years and above make up 5% of Uganda's population of 46 million, which translates to 2.3 million elderly individuals.
In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development announced plans to regulate care homes for the elderly, similar to the oversight in place for children’s homes. Minister for Gender, Hon. Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu, emphasized the need for stronger regulations due to the weakened family support system, which leaves caregivers with limited time to attend to the elderly.
“The Ministry will work with the Attorney General to ensure that homes for Older Persons are well regulated, as is being done for children’s homes,” said Gidudu.
While the government does not actively promote institutional care, Gidudu acknowledged the growing need for such facilities as urban migration and compulsory education have strained rural caregiving. He pointed out that many private care homes have been established due to the high costs of hiring home care nurses and the busy schedules of caregivers.
The Ministry is stepping up efforts to ensure that these facilities meet proper standards and provide the care and protection that elderly Ugandans deserve.
Torch Media Africa
