Experts have urged the government to introduce a universal, rights-based pension law to protect the country’s growing elderly population, most of whom currently receive no formal support.

The call was made by the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER) and Research & Action for Income Security (RAISE) during the launch of a new working paper titled “A People’s Pension: The Right to Social Security for Older Persons Comparative Perspectives from Southern and Eastern Africa.

According to the paper, Uganda lacks a legal framework that guarantees pension benefits for citizens aged 60 and above who are not part of contributory schemes.

The only existing support the Senior Citizens Grant (SCG) under the SAGE program reaches just 306,500 people, a fraction of the estimated 2.3 million older persons in the country

Each recipient currently receives Shs 25,000 (approximately USD 6) per month, an amount far below the minimum needed for basic living expenses such as food, water, and medication.

Drawing lessons from countries like South Africa, Mauritius, and Kenya — which have implemented universal, tax-funded pensions protected by law the paper recommends that Uganda adopt similar reforms.

“We are calling for the enactment of a Social Protection Act to guarantee a monthly pension for every Ugandan over 60,” said Angella Kasule, Executive Director of ISER.

“It’s not only possible it’s necessary.”

ISER and RAISE propose that the government gradually increase the monthly pension to Shs 140,000 by 2040 and expand coverage to all older persons.

The estimated cost of Shs 5.2 trillion annually by 2040 would amount to only 1.1% of Uganda’s projected GDP.

Ausi Kibowa, Program Officer at ISER, stressed the urgency of a legal framework.

“Without legislation, pension payments remain uncertain and unequal,” he said.

The organizations are urging Parliament, relevant ministries, civil society, and older persons’ associations to work together to enact the proposed reforms.

The working paper is part of a broader push for a rights-based social protection system in Uganda that guarantees income security for the elderly regardless of their employment history.

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