Social assistance grants throughout the world are in form of a wide variety of non-contributory transfer programs which include cash transfers, in-kind transfers, workfare programs, and price subsidies (Alderman, 2001). On the African continent, social assistance is a relatively recent addition to the policy agenda, but the principles of redistribution, reciprocity, and social solidarity that underlie social assistance have been widely practiced for centuries. Since 2015, Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) in partnership with other stakeholders spearheaded the implementation of the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) program throughout the whole country with the sole aim of empowering households to increase sustainability and socioeconomic transformation. However, the World Bank (2023) affirms that there was little progress in poverty reduction in Uganda and this has left about 30% of Ugandans to be poor. This situation has not spared older persons. Older persons are vulnerable to poverty as a result of several factors including limited access to pension schemes, inadequate family or social support, widespread chronic ill health and disability, and continuing care for children (MFPED, 2014). Against this background, this study sought to assess whether the SAGE program has improved the economic security of older persons using a case study of Kampala Metropolitan. Working with the Theory of Change that was popularized by Weiss in 1995, a conceptual framework was drawn to summarise the research idea and portray the relationship between SAGE program as independent variable and economic security as dependent variable. Literature was reviewed under themes that reflect specific research objectives and research variables to explore previous studies and information gaps. A convergent research design was adopted for the study as it uses a mixed methods approach where both quantitative and qualitative data are collected providing a comprehensive understanding of the research problem. A total of 443 respondents participated in qualitative study reflecting 95% response rate. Through the application of statistical packages of social sciences, the study analysed the effectiveness of SAGE program on enhancing the economic security of older persons. The study findings revealed that SAGE program has effectively contributed to enhancing economic security by significantly reducing material deprivation among older persons. The findings also reveal that SAGE program has made notable strides in promoting economic security through enhancing the capabilities of older persons, promoting social participation, and reducing social exclusion and poverty. The findings revealed that SAGE program has demonstrated success in improving access to essential services, which is critical for enhancing economic security of older persons. The findings also revealed that Government laws and policies have played a pivotal role in facilitating the SAGE program and enhancing the economic security of older persons. The study recommends that the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development should conduct a thorough review and audit of the distribution process to identify and address any inconsistencies. The SAGE implementation unit should develop targeted programs to address the specific needs of older persons who have not fully experienced the program’s benefits. The Implementation Unit should also expand social inclusion initiatives by promoting community-based activities and creating more opportunities for older persons to participate in social and economic activities.

A Dissertation Submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Security and Strategic Studies of Nkumba University