By Denis Mukisa
Leaders representing senior citizens in Kayunga District have praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the government for elevating the status of older persons, saying the recognition reflects their invaluable contribution to Uganda’s development.
The remarks were made during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Kayunga District Executive Committee for Senior Citizens held at the district council hall.
Outgoing Publicity Secretary for Older Persons, Davis Kagatta Muteebe, said the government’s decision to recognise older persons as senior citizens demonstrates respect for individuals who have spent decades contributing to the country’s growth.
He noted that reaching the age of 60 and above is a testament to years of service, sacrifice and commitment to national development.
“By the time someone reaches 60 years and above, they have made significant contributions towards developing the country,” Muteebe said.
He encouraged younger generations to seek guidance from senior citizens, describing them as custodians of knowledge and experience who are willing to offer advice without expecting anything in return.
During the ceremony, Nantege was sworn in as the new Chairperson of the district executive committee, alongside four other executive members, including two councillors representing senior citizens.
District Probation and Social Welfare Officer Collins Kafeero, who officiated at the ceremony, congratulated the new leadership and commended the outgoing committee for its service.
Kafeero pledged to organise an induction programme for the incoming executive, focusing on leadership ethics, professionalism and effective time management to enable them to serve senior citizens more effectively.
Muteebe also urged the new committee to improve their spoken English to enable them to confidently represent Kayunga District during national meetings and conferences in Kampala.
The newly elected leaders pledged to closely monitor programmes benefiting senior citizens and other government initiatives within their communities to ensure they are implemented effectively.
The senior citizens also expressed appreciation for government programmes supporting older persons and appealed to President Museveni to officiate at the district’s future celebrations marking the International Day of Older Persons.
The ceremony concluded with calls for continued collaboration between government institutions and senior citizens to promote the welfare of older persons and contribute to national development.
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