Hope for the Elderly Uganda is a community-based organization headquartered in Amukurat Village, Kadie Parish, Otuboi Sub-county, Kalaki District, in the Eastern Region of Uganda. Founded by Ms. Ikaka Irene and Mr. Elubu Joseph, the organization was established out of a deep concern for the welfare and dignity of elderly persons aged 65 years and above, many of whom face neglect, poverty, poor health, and social isolation.
In many rural communities in Uganda, the elderly remain among the most vulnerable groups — often lacking access to adequate healthcare, nutrition, safe shelter, and emotional support alongside numerous dependants. Traditional family care structures are gradually weakening due to economic pressures, urban migration, and changing social values, leaving many older persons without consistent care.
Hope for the Elderly Uganda exists to respond to these pressing needs by providing compassionate care, promoting community solidarity, and advocating for the rights and inclusion of elderly persons. The organization works to ensure that senior citizens in our communities live their later years with dignity, love, and purpose through targeted programs in healthcare support, nutrition, skills empowerment, and social engagement.
The Birth of Hope for the Elderly Uganda
The vision for Hope for the Elderly Uganda began in June 2015, in a quiet and unexpected moment. Around 10:00 a.m., Irene heard a voice calling her name — “Irene.” She paused, wondering if someone was behind the house. When she checked, no one was there. Returning to the doorway, she heard the voice again: “Why don’t you get something to do?”
She sat down to reflect. What kind of work? she thought to herself. She knew she was not interested in factory jobs. Three weeks later, during her evening prayers before bed, she had a vivid vision — a TV screen full of images passing quickly, until one image remained: an elderly woman. Then she heard the voice again: “Why don’t you start helping such people?”
She stopped praying, humbled and curious. But Lord, how can I help when I am also in need? she asked. Later in a dream, she received a Bible verse reassuring her that those who would support this ministry would be her people, her friends, and others whom God would send. The name came to her: Hope for the Elderly Ministries.
From that moment, Irene began praying for wisdom, courage, favor, open doors, and the right people to work with. She also asked God to confirm if this vision truly came from Him. One Saturday, while sitting on her veranda, she felt an urge to visit elderly women. She didn’t know any personally, so she didn’t act on it. The next day in church, she saw an elderly woman — the same one she had seen in her vision — and her heart leapt with joy. After the service, she hugged the woman with tears in her eyes and offered to escort her home. This moment confirmed her calling.
That afternoon, Irene felt another strong urge to visit the woman again, this time bringing a small gift. When she arrived, she found the elderly woman sick and alone — her daughter had gone in search of food, and the grandchildren were at school. The woman’s walking stick had fallen, and with her weak waist, she could not pick it up. Seeing Irene, she said joyfully, “My grandchild, you are God-sent. I was in trouble here.” Irene helped her up, prayed with her, and shared the Word of God. This encounter deeply assured Irene that her mission was real and urgent.
Soon after, while chatting with her friend Lisa from the UK, Irene mentioned that she was visiting an elderly woman. Lisa was touched and encouraged her to continue the work, promising to support her. Later, Lisa visited Uganda, and together they toured different homes, giving mattresses, food, and other supplies to elderly people. Lisa returned to the UK, but Irene kept going — growing the number of elderly people she supported to 18.
In 2024, Irene invited Mr. Elubu Joseph to join her in organizing the necessary documentation, registering the organization, and managing the day-to-day technical work. Together, they founded Hope for the Elderly Uganda — a community-based organization dedicated to restoring dignity, care, and hope to the elderly in Eastern Uganda and beyond.