Elders demand attention

The Bushenyi old residents say they have for long been left out on activities.

Bushenyi

The elderly persons in Bushenyi District have demanded that the district and government starts inolving them in programmes and budget allocations.

Speaking at a consultative meeting convened by the district Woman MP and Information minister, Ms Mary Karooro Okurut, at her home in Katungu at the weekend, the elders said their children have been denied good education because the best schools are expensive.

Mr Gelsom Bangirana, a member of Nkore Older Persons Association, said the scheme had remained exclusive to a certain class of people yet it is facilitated by taxpayers’ money. Mr Bangirana also noted that since the NRM took over power, the same faces have been meeting the President to discuss district issues but even then, they do not return feedback.

The chairperson NKOPA, Mr Joram Tibasimwa, said their most pressing challenge was poverty and taking care of orphans. Ms Karooro did not react to these concerns but noted that the elderly persons had neglected their advisory role, which has partly led to moral decadence.

She cited the Gayaza Primary School case, where pupils were recently expelled over sexual morality.
She asked them to form a council of elders where they can discuss concerns and issues affecting the society.

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