President Yoweri Museveni’s government is considering the introduction of a law that it hopes will make youths respect elders.
This follows concerns that some young people have made it a habit not to respect elders, tap into their wisdom or even seek their advice.
Those proposing this piece of legislation argue that the young people have consumed too much of the western culture and embraced it as standard practice, ditching their own African cultures where respect for elders is encouraged.
The new piece of legislation will come from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development which will work with Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka to draft proposals in the Older Persons Bill.
In his statement to Parliament ahead of International Day for Older Persons celebrated today , October 1, 2024, Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu, Minister of State for Older Persons, said the new law will restore respect for elders.
“There is a growing challenge of the younger generation failing to appreciate the guidance and wisdom of older persons, largely due to the influence of modernity and Western culture,” said Minister Gidudu.
“The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development is working with the Attorney General to enhance the principles of the Older Persons Bill. This will restore values and ensure respect for elders, particularly in service delivery.”
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke has warned against such abuse, this time of 80-year-old Ugandan president. “Abusing the President of the Republic of Uganda is an offence. The president is the fountain of honour and any actions that try to undermine the fountain of honor either in words or actions can attract prosecution,” said Rusoke on September 30, 2024.
Uganda has about 2.3 million older persons – those who are 60 years old and over. The elderly are about five per cent of the population. The partial results from the June census indicated that Uganda has 45.9 million people. But President Museveni said the figure was below his expectations. (See Details Here, There and Over There).
For comments on this report, story tips or sponsored content, send us a Whatsapp message on +256 705 690 819 or E-mail us on pearltimesug@gmail.com).
Please Follow our Whatsapp Channel for More Stories HERE
