Published on 29/04/2025
Jacqueline Mbabazi, wife of former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, has officially announced her plan to run for the position of Elderly Representative for Uganda’s Western Region in Parliament.
Speaking about her decision, Mrs. Mbabazi said she was deeply moved by the challenges faced by older people in her home district of Kanungu. She explained that many elderly Ugandans are being left behind, especially when it comes to land ownership, healthcare, and financial support.
“The elderly are struggling. They are losing land to land grabbers, and many don’t have access to basic services. This must change,” she said.
At 70 years old, Jacqueline Mbabazi wants to use her long experience in government and public service to improve the lives of elderly people. Her goal is to be a strong voice in Parliament for the rights and needs of older citizens.
One of her top priorities is pushing for better healthcare services for the elderly, including access to health insurance. She also wants to protect their property rights and ensure they are not ignored in national development plans.
To help improve their financial situation, Mrs. Mbabazi plans to support the creation of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs). These groups would help older people access government funding and grow small businesses or personal income projects.
“We need to give the elderly tools to support themselves. SACCOS are a way to empower them economically,” she noted.
Currently, the Western Region’s elderly representative in Parliament is Canon Joram Tibasiimwa. Jacqueline Mbabazi says she respects the work done so far and hopes to continue advocating for elderly rights at a national level.
Jacqueline Mbabazi brings a wealth of experience to her campaign. She started her career at the Uganda Revenue Authority, where she served as Commissioner for Customs and Excise Duty. She then worked at the National Development Agency, which focuses on helping youth and women across the country.
In the political arena, she led the Women’s League under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and later became the Managing Director of Luwero Industries Ltd, a government-owned manufacturing firm.
With her background in public service and leadership, she says she is well-prepared to take on the responsibility of representing and protecting Uganda’s elderly population in Parliament.
