“Plan or Perish!” Elderly Leader Warns: Retirement Without Preparation Can Kill You
A team of Ankole Old people and Kamwengye Old Persons association at Rwenjeru farm
By Amos Tayebwa
Civil servants, politicians, businessmen, and all working Ugandans have been issued a stark warning: fail to plan for your retirement, and you could face a miserable and stressful old age.
Speaking at Rwenjeru Agro-Tourism Demonstration and Training Farm in Biharwe, Mbarara City North, 66-year-old Martin Kananura, director of the facility and a former headteacher of several prominent schools in Mbarara, urged the elderly and those approaching retirement to invest time and resources wisely to secure their golden years.
“I am now six years in retirement,” Kananura shared candidly with members of the Ankole Old Persons Foundation and Kamwengye Old Persons Association. “When I retired, I became a bit stuck. But fortunately, I had some land, including my family land, so I improved it, added innovations, and started this farm. That keeps me busy and provides an income. If I had not prepared, life would have been very hard. People who retire with nothing often get sick, suffer stress, depression, or even die.”
Kananura emphasized the importance of having a plan and a support program that can sustain one through retirement. He further encouraged old persons to unite in associations to remain active, share experiences, and support one another.
Jolly Kagira, founder and Executive Director of the Ankole Old Persons Foundation, echoed Kananura’s sentiments. She highlighted the gaps between old and young generations, noting that most grown children neglect their parents, leaving many elders lonely, unsupported, and unable to access medical care. “It is important to plan for old age when we are still active. By forming associations, we can give ourselves a voice, access government support, and help one another like a family,” Kagira said.
The Ankole Old Persons Foundation, which stretches across 38 districts in Western Uganda with offices in Rwobuyenje Kishasha ward in Mbarara City North Division, has been at the forefront of advocating for elder welfare. On 30th March 2026, its leadership hosted a team of elders from Kamwengye Old Persons Association at the Rwenjeru farm, where discussions included forming a larger Western Uganda Old Persons Association to strengthen support networks for the elderly.
The message was clear: proactive planning, smart investments, and community solidarity are the lifelines to surviving and thriving in retirement. As Kananura put it, “You must have a program at the back that will support you when you are old—otherwise, life can be cruel.”
This gathering marks a critical push for elder empowerment in Western Uganda, underlining the urgent need for individuals and communities to take responsibility for their future before it is too late.
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