President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged older persons to embrace modern ways of managing and preserving their wealth, saying proper planning can help protect the assets they accumulate throughout their lives.
President Museveni made the remarks while officiating the International Day for Older Persons at State House Entebbe on October 1st, 2026, where Uganda joined the rest of the world to commemorate older persons under the theme “Ageing with Dignity; Strengthening Care and Support Systems.”
The President said older persons should be supported according to their circumstances, with particular attention given to those who have no families or homes.
“As we support elders, we should help those who do not have families or homes for various reasons, while also supporting those who have families, homes, and wealth,” Museveni said.
He noted that, within Uganda’s traditions, elders occupy an important position in society and many have accumulated significant assets over their lifetime.
“In our traditions, elders have an important role to play. Most elders have families, wealth, cattle, goats, buildings, and some investments,” he said.
However, President Museveni cautioned that some older persons face challenges in preserving the wealth they have accumulated. He urged them to acquire modern knowledge on wealth management and succession planning.
“Elders need to embrace modernity and learn how to preserve and manage their wealth,” Museveni said.
He added that some elders contribute to the loss of their own wealth by distributing their accumulated assets among their children as they grow older.
The commemoration, organised by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, brought together government officials and other stakeholders to recognise the contribution of older persons to Uganda’s development.
Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Elderly Affairs, Jacqueline Mbabazi, said older persons continue to play an important role in families and communities.
“Older persons remain valued members of our society whose contributions to family, community, and national development deserve recognition and preservation,” Mbabazi said.
The International Day for Older Persons provides an opportunity to highlight the need for stronger care and support systems while encouraging older persons to maintain their dignity, protect their assets and remain active members of society.
