Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Old people recieving SAGE money in Biharwe on Monday.
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MBARARA CITY
Elderly residents aged 80 and above in Mbarara City have started receiving their quarterly financial support under the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) programme.
The three-day disbursement exercise, which began on Monday, March 30, is covering several wards, including Biharwe, Kakiika, Kamukuzi, and Ruharo, and is expected to conclude on Wednesday, April 1.
Registration of people with 80 years and above in Biharwe underway to benefit from SAGE programme
Each beneficiary is receiving Shs 75,000, covering the first quarter of 2026 (January, February, and March). Alongside the payments, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has introduced a mandatory headcount and photo verification exercise—commonly referred to as “proof of life”—to clean up the payroll.
Beneficiaries Speak Out
For many recipients, the grant remains a vital lifeline for meeting basic needs and accessing healthcare.
Elineriko Byarugaba, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the support.
Verifying of SAGE beneficieries in Biharwe ward
“I thank the government for considering us as elders. When I receive SAGE money, I use it to buy sugar and soap. It also helps me when I am ill because I can go to a health facility for treatment. I am very happy and grateful for what the government has done for me,” Byarugaba said.
Rev. Canon William Karenga, an 82-year-old retired priest from Rwenjuru, said the programme gives elderly citizens a sense of recognition and inclusion.
“What is being done is something I had never seen before. It shows that every Ugandan—whether old or young, women or men—can receive support through different government programmes,” Karenga said.
“I thank the government because, at our age, we are already tired. It is encouraging that they still consider us as part of this country.”
The ongoing Verification of SAGE programme in Biharwe
Karenga, who received Shs 150,000 after missing a previous payment cycle, also commended the security of the funds held by Centenary Bank.
“I found my money intact on the account. Even though I missed the last cycle, it was not taken by anyone else. I thank Centenary Bank for keeping our money safe,” he noted.
He added that while direct transfers to individual accounts would be convenient, the current arrangement also fosters social interaction among beneficiaries.
Rev Can William Karenga, SAGE beneficiary
Verification and “Proof of Life”
The exercise is being closely monitored by technical officers to ensure that funds reach the intended beneficiaries.
Nicholas Bashongoka, the Mbarara City Community Development Officer (CDO), urged recipients to use the funds responsibly.
“I encourage our elderly people to use this money wisely—buy medicine, sugar, and other essentials. These are senior citizens who have served this country and deserve proper care,” Bashongoka said.
Collins Elima, Operations Officer for the Expanding Social Protection Programme at the Ministry, explained that the verification exercise is intended to eliminate irregularities on the payroll.
“We have faced challenges where some families fail to report the deaths of beneficiaries, leaving names on the payroll,” Elima said.
“This time, we are conducting a headcount and taking photos as proof of life. Those who are not verified will not appear on the next payroll because we cannot confirm their status.”
Verifying old people in Biharwe
Enrollment and Eligibility
Elima clarified that beneficiary identification is based on data from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), targeting individuals who turned 80 between July 1944 and June 1945.
“We obtain names from NIRA and filter those aged 80. We then work with the Ministry of Public Service to remove pensioners, since they already benefit from the same funding source. This helps eliminate duplication and ghost beneficiaries,” he explained.
While able-bodied elderly persons are encouraged to attend verification centers, Elima cautioned against moving frail individuals.
“For those who are bedridden, we do not encourage families to transport them, as this may endanger their lives. Instead, arrangements will be made to verify them from their homes. Although this may take time, they will be reinstated on the payroll once verified,” he added.
The SAGE disbursement exercise in Mbarara City has so far progressed smoothly, with strong participation from beneficiaries and enhanced safeguards to ensure transparency. The introduction of the “proof of life” verification marks a significant step toward improving accountability and ensuring that support reaches the intended elderly citizens.
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