Nyendo-Mukungwe lawmaker Mathias Mpuuga, the outgoing Leader of Opposition in Parliament, has undertaken a charitable initiative by building houses for elderly individuals in Masaka City. At a recent handover ceremony in the villages of Kiyimbwe and Kirumba, Mpuuga emphasized the government’s obligation to care for vulnerable citizens and criticized its perceived failure in this regard.
During the handover event, Mpuuga handed over at least three houses and expressed disappointment with the government’s approach to social assistance, citing the limited age range covered by the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE). He advocated for SAGE benefits to begin at the age of 60, aligning with the retirement age of civil servants.
Asserting his commitment to serving constituents, Mpuuga clarified that the funds used for the housing project were his personal resources, dispelling misconceptions about his financial capacity during his tenure as Leader of Opposition. He urged the youth to work hard to ensure the well-being of their parents, emphasizing the uncertainty of future leadership.
Masaka City Woman Member of Parliament (MP) Juliet Kakande, speaking at the event, encouraged the youth to secure their parents’ future independently, cautioning against relying solely on leaders for support. Kakande also denounced local leaders involved in land grabbing from the elderly.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for Mpuuga’s assistance, highlighting various challenges they faced, such as land issues, house damage due to natural disasters, and financial constraints. Teddy Tushabe, Resty Nalwoga, and Mauricia Nalumansi, among others, acknowledged Mpuuga’s intervention as a source of relief and security.
