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Queen Mutyaba the Bushenyi district councillor representing the elderly
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By Our Reporter
Bushenyi
Elderly persons in Bushenyi District have appealed to the government to enact specific laws to protect them and their property, citing rising cases of neglect, abuse, and suffering—particularly in rural areas.
Queen Mutyaba, the councillor representing older persons in Bushenyi, said many elderly people are being mistreated by their own children, who grab their property and, in some cases, force them out of their homes.
"Many elderly individuals, despite their contributions to national development, are suffering in their old age after their children seize their property," Mutyaba said. "Some are even forced to flee their homes due to threats and violence from family members."
She noted that the lack of legal protection for older persons has left many of them living in fear, especially in rural communities where cases often go unreported or are settled through informal negotiations.
Mutyaba, however, commended the central government for its recent efforts to support older persons through financial assistance.
She revealed that 10 out of the 17 sub-counties in Bushenyi District have so far received Shs5 million each to improve the welfare of the elderly.
"We appreciate the support, but there is still a need for stronger legal frameworks to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of our senior citizens," she added.
Rise in violence
Recent statistics from the probation office in Bushenyi District show a disturbing increase in gender-based and domestic violence cases. According to police records, the district registered 12 cases of rape over the last three months. In Ruhumuro Sub-county, the probation office reported handling an average of 150 domestic violence cases per month as of early 2024. The surge in violence has been attributed to poverty, alcohol abuse, polygamy, and land disputes.
Faith Betega, the Bushenyi District Probation Officer, said many of these cases go unreported, and the silence enables repeat offenders. "The cases reported to police are very few because, in many villages, some parents and relatives negotiate with suspects," she told our reporter. "This allows offenders to continue committing such crimes." Activists argue that the rise in violence also affects the elderly, especially women, who are increasingly vulnerable in domestic conflicts.
Call for action
Elderly representatives are now calling for immediate legal reforms to address property grabbing, neglect, and all forms of abuse targeting older persons. They also want the government to ensure that all 17 sub-counties in Bushenyi benefit equally from the elderly welfare funds.
"We need a national conversation and legislative action to protect older people," Mutyaba said. "They deserve to live their final years in peace and dignity."
While the government has made strides to improve the lives of older persons—such as the rollout of the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) programme—stakeholders say more still needs to be done, particularly at the grassroots level.
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