In Uganda today, the aging population is steadily increasing, as it is globally. Aging exposes one to long-term illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Palliative care provides essential support through relieving pain and symptoms and providing emotional and psychological support in a culturally appropriate manner. This will enhance the quality of life of the older person. Palliative care supports families and caregivers too. This can reduce healthcare costs through decreased hospitalization, while ensuring the dignified quality of life from diagnosis, through the end of life to bereavement care.

This year, PCAU joined other like-minded stakeholders in Uganda to commemorate the UN World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Saturday, 15th June 2024 at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.

The event was convened by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD:

The theme: “Gender Based Violence in old age: A call for Action”

This event aimed to raise awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic factors that contribute to elder abuse and neglect and to provide communities worldwide with a chance to foster a better understanding of elder abuse and neglect.

The addresses, discussions, testimonies, remarks, and official statements at the event were all centered on the existing forms of elder abuse, and the major steps the government is taking to address elder abuse among older persons. Several older persons expressed numerous concerns including harassment from young people.

The keynote address was given by Grace Nakirijja Lwanga the CEO of Chapter for Empowerment and Rights Uganda (CERU) who emphasized the need and urgency to end GBV and further noted that violence has no place in homes and communities.

“Aging starts right at the time of conception, and by 2050 the largest population(youth) of Uganda as of today shall be closing up to older adults (60+years) and so the government and non-government initiatives need to be put in place for older persons in preparation for the aging population of Uganda” Hon. Flavia Rwabuhoro, the Chairperson, of the Gender Committee of Parliament.

“Aging is a natural process, and the entire Uganda population should be made aware of protecting the rights of older persons” Hon. Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu (MP) and Minister of State of Elderly Affairs during his remarks.

During the event, PCAU staff appealed to integrate palliative care into all policies and service delivery for older persons in Uganda. The staff articulated the role of palliative care which all the participants appreciated. PCAU is taking deliberate steps to support the strengthening of the provision of holistic care to older persons at chronic care clinics, hospice, and palliative care units across Uganda.

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)3 aims at ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for people of all ages. The goal is aligned with palliative care integration into the health care system and thus its inclusion in the healthy aging agenda.