President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the training of more than 140 geriatricians for deployment across the country within the next three years as government moves to strengthen specialised healthcare for older persons.

The directive is aimed at addressing the shortage of specialised medical personnel to provide age-specific healthcare to Uganda’s growing elderly population, estimated at about 2.3 million, according to recent census data.

President Museveni said the specialists should be trained and deployed across all districts to ensure older persons can access appropriate healthcare services closer to their communities.

Geriatricians are medical doctors who specialise in the healthcare and treatment of older adults, particularly conditions associated with ageing and patients with multiple health needs.

The President issued the directive during the commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons at State House, Entebbe, under the theme, “Ageing with Dignity: Strengthening Care and Support Systems.”

Museveni also urged older persons to prioritise healthy living by following health guidelines, maintaining proper nutrition and engaging in regular physical exercise.

He said improving healthcare for older persons should go hand in hand with protecting their livelihoods and property from exploitation.

The President called for the development of a policy to safeguard older persons from relatives and other individuals who take advantage of their advanced age to deprive them of their wealth.

He urged older persons to invest in productive assets such as land, livestock and buildings to provide them with sustainable sources of livelihood in old age.

Museveni also advised elderly parents to involve their families in discussions on the management and inheritance of their estates, saying modern wealth-preservation mechanisms could help safeguard family property for future generations.

The Minister of State for Elder Persons, Jacqueline Mbabazi, said government was also considering measures to improve access to healthcare for older persons, including establishing wellness centres for regular health checks and a health support scheme.

She said government also plans to establish legal support centres to assist older persons facing property-related challenges and ensure their access to the 10 per cent allocation under the Parish Development Model.

The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, said government was using programmes such as the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) and the Parish Development Model to improve the livelihoods and social protection of older persons.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the National Council for Older Persons, Ann Muhindo Bakazimbaga, called for increased and predictable funding for programmes targeting older persons.

Bakazimbaga said the growing population of older persons requires additional resources to meet their healthcare, livelihood and social protection needs.