International Day of Older Persons
1 October 2009
The Minister of Elderly and Disability Hon Sulaiman Madada launched the
National Policy for Older Persons of Uganda at Namutumba.
1 October 2008
At a national level, the International Day for Older Persons was commemorated at Kitatya Primary School Wabwoko Sub-county in Kayunga District. The theme of the celebrations was "Ageing with security and dignity" to promote the spirit of active ageing and productivity and to recognize the contribution of older persons to national economic development.
The event was organized by the National Network of Older Persons (NNOPU) with the Ugandan Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development in conjunction with Kayunga District.
The day was preceded by the lodgement of a petition on 30th September 2008 under the auspices of Uganda Reach the Aged Association and other older persons civil society organisations with the Speaker Rt. Hon Edward Ssekandi. This activity was sponsored by Age Demand Action (ADA)
Numerous local events also took place, including debates in schools, cultural activities, radio talk shows, meetings with religious leaders and a construction of a house by students for an older person.
On 20th of September 2008, members of the legislature on the Equal Opportunities Commission met the State Minister for Elderly and Disability to answer issues in the petition presented at last year’s International Day for Older Persons.
Background
The General Assembly of the United Nations designated October 1st as International Day of Older Persons. This Day was observed for the first time throughout the world on October 1st, 1991.