A growing chorus of voices is calling for Uganda to establish a universal pension system, as new research reveals most of the country’s elderly population struggle without any reliable income. Advocacy groups are urging the government to create a rights-based pension law that would protect all older citizens, not just those who worked in formal employment.

The push comes from the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER) and Research & Action for Income Security (RAISE), who recently launched a report titled “A People’s Pension.” The study highlights how Uganda currently has no legal framework guaranteeing pension benefits for citizens aged 60 and above who weren’t part of contributory schemes. Right now, the only government support available is the Senior Citizens Grant (SCG) under the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) program, which reaches just 306,500 people – a small fraction of Uganda’s estimated 2.3 million elderly citizens.

What’s more concerning is that those who do receive the SCG get only 25,000 shillings (about $6) per month – an amount that falls far short of covering basic needs like food, medicine and other essentials. “We’re 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.”

The report points to several African countries that have successfully implemented similar systems. Nations like South Africa, Mauritius and Kenya have established universal, tax-funded pension programs protected by law. These systems ensure all elderly citizens receive support regardless of their employment history. ISER and RAISE propose Uganda adopt a similar approach, gradually increasing the monthly pension to 140,000 shillings by 2040 while expanding coverage to all older persons.

While this might sound expensive, the organizations estimate the cost would amount to just 1.1% of Uganda’s projected GDP by 2040 – about 5.2 trillion shillings annually. Ausi Kibowa, Program Officer at ISER, stressed why legislation is crucial: “Without a law, pension payments remain uncertain and unequal. People need guarantees, not promises.”

The current situation leaves many elderly Ugandans in precarious positions. Without family support or savings from formal work, they often face impossible choices between buying food, medicine or other essentials. The problem is expected to grow worse as Uganda’s elderly population increases in coming years.

Advocates are now calling on Parliament, relevant ministries, civil society groups and older persons’ associations to work together to turn these proposals into reality. They argue that a universal pension system wouldn’t just help individuals – it could boost entire communities by putting money into local economies and reducing pressure on younger family members struggling to support their elders.

The working paper is part of a broader push to establish a rights-based social protection system in Uganda. Unlike contributory pension schemes that only cover those who worked in formal jobs, the proposed universal system would ensure income security for all elderly citizens as a basic right.

As Uganda continues developing economically, advocates say the country must not leave its older citizens behind. With proper legislation and gradual implementation, they argue, Uganda could join other African nations in providing dignity and security to those who have spent their lives contributing to their communities in both formal and informal ways. The question now is whether policymakers will take up the challenge.