📄 Abstract
Social protection programmes are increasingly recognised as important instruments for reducing poverty and vulnerability among older persons, particularly in low-income countries where many elderly people have limited access to formal employment, pensions and reliable household income. In Uganda, the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) programme was introduced to provide income support to vulnerable older persons and improve their access to basic needs and services. Nevertheless, elderly persons in rural communities continue to experience challenges associated with income insecurity, food insecurity, healthcare access and inadequate housing. This study examined the relationship between Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment programmes and the standard of living of elderly beneficiaries in Kanungu District, Uganda. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between cash transfer programmes, healthcare support programmes and community-based assistance programmes and the standard of living of elderly persons. The study was guided by Social Protection Theory and adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires while qualitative data were obtained through interviews with relevant stakeholders. Seventy-nine questionnaires were distributed and 68 were fully completed, producing an 86% response rate. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple regression while qualitative information was analysed thematically. The findings showed a strong positive relationship between community-based assistance and standard of living (r = .731, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis showed that cash transfer programmes (β = .328, p < .001), healthcare support programmes (β = .442, p < .001) and community-based assistance (β = .221, p = .001) were significant positive predictors of standard of living. The model explained 72.1% of the variance in standard of living (Adjusted R² = .721). Qualitative findings complemented the quantitative results by indicating that cash transfers supported food, healthcare and income-generating activities while community organisations, churches and village savings groups provided complementary social and material assistance. However, payment delays, limited coverage, resource constraints and information gaps constrained programme effectiveness. The study concludes that social assistance can contribute substantially to the standard of living of elderly persons when financial support is complemented by accessible healthcare and community-based support systems. Strengthening the timeliness, adequacy, coverage and coordination of social protection interventions is therefore important for improving elderly welfare in rural Uganda.
🏷️ Keywords
📚 How to Cite:
Owomugisha Prize, Prof. Edward Wamala, Dr. Judith Asiimwe Bijurenda , SOCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS FOR EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS AND THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF ELDERLY BENEFICIARIES IN KANUNGU DISTRICT, UGANDA , Volume 13 , Issue 10, October 2026, EPRA International Journal of Economics, Business and Management Studies (EBMS) , Pages: 22 - 31 ,