By Mike Rwothomio
 
Pakwach
 
Grief has engulfed residents of Alwi Sub-County, Pakwach District after an elderly Woman identified as Sophia Ocidhi, 84, collapsed and died on spot, as she was anxiously waiting for her stipend of Social Assistant Grants for the Empowerment (SAGE) from Centenary Bank.
 
The Wednesday October 16, 2024 tragic incident occurred at Pangyeth Parish Headquarters pay point, in Pangyeth central village.
 
The deceased is resident of Theyao central village. She was transferred to the pay point on a motorcycle, worsening her already deteriorating health condition, the relatives revealed in an interview with Radio Pacis.
 
"She was very sick" Her grand-son Fred Akenda said adding that, "her condition worsened at the pay point, and she collapsed and died straight away." He added that, "she insisted to come physically to get her money because she missed her June payment,”
 
The LCIII chairperson of Alwi Sub- County Robert Odia while speaking at the crime scene, called for creation of alternative recipients avenue for SAGE beneficiaries, most of whom are undergoing numerous health complications. 
 
“We have lost one elderly woman here called Ocidhi Sophia from Theyao central village. We are losing our elderly people who tend to come and seek for their SAGE payment. Most of these elderly people are sick, they are in their 80s and 90s, and they rarely come out of their houses. They are forced to be carried on a motorcycle and brought to a pay point" Odia explained. He added that, “they don't allow alternative recipients even if these people are so sick, they are putting the lives of our people at risk more especially the elderly".
 
Odia called for a review in policy formulation by Centenary Bank, to allow their officials move with parish chiefs to respective homes of sage beneficiaries, who are unable to make it to different pay points due to numerous reasons.
 
By press time, local leaders were awaiting a team of police officers from Pakwach Central police station at the crime scene.
 
Getting response from Centenary Bank proved futile.
 
ABOUT SAGE
Under the SAGE Program launched in 2013, the Elderly from 80 years and above gets shillings 25,000 monthly payment from the government, as part of the effort to improve well-being of the older person’s nationwide.
 
Reports about the elderly dying at pay points as they await payments has been witnessed in Kisoro, Amuria amongst other places.