In an effort to extend services to the elderly,HelpAge Advocacy Network Uganda (HANU), has launched anew strategic plan 2024 /2029.
HANU is an independent network of eight Ugandan organisations committed to promoting the rights and wellbeing of older people in Uganda following the closure of HelpAge International country office.
HANU represents eight age care organisations in Uganda, all of which are members of the HelpAge global network – Reach One Touch One Ministries Uganda (ROTOM), Health Nest Uganda (HENU), Uganda Reach the Ages Association (URAA), Grandmothers Consortium (GMC), Palliative Care Association Uganda (PCAU), Reach a Hand Uganda (ROHU), Community Based Rehabilitation Alliance Ltd (COMBRA), and Voice of the Elderly.
Each member brings a unique focus to the collective effort, ranging from health care to community rehabilitation, support for grandmothers, palliative HelpAge Advocacy Network Uganda (HANU), the platform comprises of Reach One Touch One Ministries Uganda (ROTOM), Health Nest Uganda (HENU), Uganda Reach the Ages Association (URAA), Grandmothers Consortium (GMC), Palliative Care Association Uganda (PCAU), Reach a Hand Uganda (ROHU), Community Based Rehabilitation Alliance Ltd (COMBRA), and Voice of the Elderly.
HANU Chairperson, Arthur Namara Araali said the move to create the platform aligns with government’s preference to work with a unified network that brings together all organisations dedicated to ageing.
“Each member brings a unique focus to the collective effort, ranging from health care to community rehabilitation, support for grandmothers, palliative care, youth outreach, ministry services, and advocacy for older people. We want to champion age-friendly policies and programmes, safeguard the rights and wellbeing of older people, and elevate care standards through research, innovation, and best practices,” Namara said.
Col Patrick Apuuli, the National Coordinator for older persons in State House welcomed the move by the organisations to create a platform through which they can advocate for rights of older persons.
“This platform is timely now that these organisations are working to champion rights for older persons under the same platform. As government, we have so many platforms for the older persons but many of them are not known. We hope this platform will help us disseminate information about these government programs,” Apuuli said.
He explained that under the Social Enterprise Grant for Older Persons, government provides grants to older persons to help them start income generating enterprises but noted that many are not aware.
“We want HANU to monitor Parish Development Model. Government set aside 10% for older persons but not everyone knows about it .”Apuuli stressed
