Govt Lowers SAGE Eligibility Age to 65, Injects Shs 373bn to Expand Support for Older Persons

 November 20, 2025   |    119 views

KAMPALA-The government has lowered the eligibility age for the elderly persons who receive financial support under the   Social Assistance Grants for the Elderly (SAGE).

The Minister of State for Elderly Affairs Dominic Mafabi Gidudu has announced that the current age of 80 years for SAGE beneficiaries has been lowed to 65 years effective next financial year 2026/27.

In addition, the minister said government will increase the monthly stipend to Shs35,000 up from Shs25,000 and that an additional budget of Shs252.16bn has been provided  to the program in the financial year 2026/27.

This will be a top up to the current budget of Shs 121.2bn bringing the total budget to Shs373.36bn required to reach the 1,048,598 beneficiaries aged 65 years and above. This is intended to boost the income security for older persons.

The Minister of State for Elderly Affairs Dominic Mafabi Gidudu announced this changes on Thursday 20th November 2025 at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala saying the cabinet decision was meant to enhance access to social protection programmes for the older persons.

“The Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment provides senior citizens a predictable monthly cash transfer to support them access basic needs and live dignified lives,” said Gidudu.

He also revealed government plans to clear Sh20.6 billion in accumulated SAGE arrears and provide Sh5 billion to cover unfunded groups under the Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP) during the 2025/26 financial year.