By Mike Rwothomio

The Alur Kingdom has intensified its sensitization campaign targeting elderly and vulnerable persons within the Kingdom, with the primary aim of extending life expectancy and improving quality of life among these populations.

The Kingdom’s initiative directly addresses the unique challenges faced by elderly and vulnerable persons.

A considerable proportion of older persons encounter significant barriers in accessing comprehensive healthcare and social services. Although over three-quarters of older persons can physically access healthcare facilities, factors such as poverty, mobility limitations, and the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases substantially hinder their ability to utilize these services, according to a recent study by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology.

Dr. Amos Nyathirombu, the Alur Kingdom Minister of Health, emphasized that the sensitization campaign seeks to raise awareness on two major killer diseases: hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes mellitus.

“Healthy living for the middle-aged and the elderly for early detection and management of their two common killer diseases: high blood pressure and diabetes,” Dr. Nyathirombu said.

He added that another key focus should be on the “fight against and protecting our children from drug and alcohol abuse.”

According to recent data from the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization, diabetes is a growing cause of mortality among adults in Uganda, with significant impacts on older persons. In 2024, total diabetes-related deaths for adults aged 20–79 in Uganda were estimated at approximately 2,750.

The King of Alur, His Majesty Ubimu Philip Rauni Ularker III, has consistently voiced messages promoting healthy living and advocated for campaigns against diseases such as HIV/AIDS, among others.

On Thursday March 27, While representing the Alur Kingdom at the burial of Francisca Oyera of Acer in Ediofe, who had resided in Arua City since the 1970s and was a strong member of the Alur community in Arua, Dr. Nyathirombu highlighted the benefits of healthy living for the middle-aged and elderly, particularly for early detection and management of diseases.

These efforts complement the Alur Kingdom’s ongoing healthy living campaigns among its subjects.

Recently, the Kingdom adopted 11 key strategies aimed at reducing the high rate of HIV/AIDS among its population, which stands at 4 percent in Zombo, 3 percent in Nebbi, and 3 percent in Pakwach.

Additionally, the Kingdom has been promoting policies against negative cultural norms that contribute to poor health outcomes.

Dr. Nyathirombu also urged elders to lead by example in promoting peaceful coexistence with people of different ethnicities and faiths.

The Alur Kingdom Prime Minister (Jadipu), Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, briefly stated that “the event forms part of Ker Alur community sensitization campaigns on healthy living, especially for the elderly and vulnerable persons in the Kingdom.”

In early 2024, Zombo District reported a significant number of deaths among older persons, attributed to barriers such as inadequate access to healthcare, social isolation, depression, and poverty, which prevented them from seeking timely medical and social support services.

The reports presented by Tom Orwodhi, Councillor for Older Persons in Zombo District, compelled councillors under the Social Services Committee to recommend that the District Health Department develop a concept note outlining a framework for targeted healthcare and social support programmes for older persons. This initiative is yet to be implemented.

Councillors under the Social Services Committee in Zombo are advocating for the establishment of dedicated healthcare days to provide specialized medical and social support services for older persons, addressing their unique health and social care needs.

Tom Orwodhi who double as Secretary for Social Services expressed optimism that the initiative will gain approval from the local council to effectively address the health and social challenges faced by older persons.

Older persons are primarily at risk of death from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which include cardiovascular diseases (10%), cancers (9%), chronic respiratory diseases (2%), and diabetes (2%), according to the Ministry of Health.

Against this background of numerous challenges, the government has introduced programmes that directly target the welfare of older persons, such as the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) programme. This currently benefits over 306,000 older persons, typically above 80 years of age, who receive a monthly stipend of UGX 25,000. The government is expanding the programme to cover 1,048,598 beneficiaries by lowering the eligibility age to 65 years.

Alur Kingdom Health Minister Dr. Amos adress the mourners.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub