A new dawn for the care of older people in Uganda

HANU’s mission

HANU’s mission is to champion age-friendly policies and programmes, safeguard the rights and wellbeing of older people, and elevate care standards through research, innovation, and best practices.

Central to our goals is the establishment of a dynamic collaborative platform and resource hub. Here, members can freely exchange best practices, knowledge, and innovative ideas, fostering a vibrant community of learning and growth.

Additionally, we are also dedicated to pooling resources collectively and bolstering the capacity of ageing care organisations. We not only want to provide continuous support but also to champion the inclusion of older people across Uganda.

Localisation: empowering local organisations

The localisation of HelpAge’s programmes in Uganda has brought numerous benefits to network members and civil society organisations in the country. This shift has enhanced our capacity building in leadership, decision-making, networking, and resource mobilisation.

The setup of HANU increases visibility of its local members and their capacity to engage with the government and community members. The local brand, combined with a rich history of collaboration with HelpAge, has facilitated easier cooperation with the Ugandan government.

Strengthened relationships among network members

The formation of HANU has fostered a stronger, more collaborative relationship among its eight network members. Previously, meetings were primarily focused on HelpAge’s agenda. Now, discussions centre around collective plans and strategies, leading to deeper insights and closer working relationships. All the members regularly consult with each other, and a WhatsApp group keeps everyone connected and engaged. This transformation has created a sense of ownership and unity amongst us, with members feeling more connected and committed to the national cause.

Positive outcomes

The collaborative spirit within HANU has led to the development of a participatory strategic plan, marking a significant achievement. Members are excited about nurturing this new organisation, which we view as our own creation. Plans are underway to engage other stakeholders and officially launch the strategic plan, highlighting the collective efforts and aspirations of the network.

Challenges and solutions

The journey to establish HANU has not been without challenges. Tight timelines were a significant hurdle, given that each organisation is independent. We managed this through dedicated responsibilities and dividing administrative tasks among network members.

Limited funding posed another challenge. Despite receiving some support from HelpAge, the funds were insufficient to cover all needs. By reprioritising spending and focusing on critical elements, we managed to achieve our key objectives.

Staffing issues also arose, with concerns about job security among local staff. Network members have been discussing ways to assimilate local country staff within HANU, recognising their strengths and long-term contributions. The ongoing projects of HelpAge’s Uganda country office are being managed by relocating staff to other network members.

Long-term goals and aspirations

Our primary goal is to unify all old age care organisations in Uganda under one umbrella. This consolidation aims to amplify the voice and improve the wellbeing and dignity of older people as they age.

Strengthening the capacity of all member organisations and HANU itself is crucial for delivering effective and efficient services to older people in Uganda. With a unified network, HANU hopes to engage more effectively with the government and influence national policy, while also enhancing resource mobilisation to support member organisations’ service delivery.

Future collaboration with HelpAge

Looking ahead, we envision a strong collaboration with HelpAge. Their global outlook and support have been instrumental in HANU’s establishment, and we hope to continue relying on HelpAge for identifying potential partners, guiding resource mobilisation, and advocating for us at international and regional forums. Continuous capacity building and collaboration are essential for HANU’s growth, and we look forward to sustained support from HelpAge in these areas.

HANU represents a promising future for care of older people in Uganda, built on a foundation of collaboration, local engagement, and shared vision. As the network grows and evolves, we aim to make a profound impact on the lives of older people across the country.