Reach A Hand Uganda hosts ‘Threads of Legacy’ to celebrate older persons

• Reach A Hand Uganda hosted Threads of Legacy on Valentine’s Day to celebrate and advocate for older persons.
• Veteran entertainers like Halima Namakula and Willy Mukabya participated in the fashion show promoting healthy aging.
• In partnership with HANU, the event addressed loneliness, mental health, healthcare access, and elder rights in Uganda.

On Valentine’s Day, as many people were celebrating love in the usual ways, Reach A Hand Uganda chose to shine a light on a different kind of love — the love, care and respect owed to older persons.

The youth-led organisation, widely known for championing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among young people, shifted its focus on February 14, 2026. At its offices in Lungujja, Kampala, it hosted a unique event dubbed Threads of Legacy — a fashion show with a powerful message behind it.

At first glance, it looked like a lively celebration. There was music, bright smiles and confident walks down the runway. But beyond the glamour, the event was rooted in serious conversations about healthy aging, mental health, loneliness and access to healthcare for older persons.

Veteran entertainers including Halima Namakula and Willy Mukabya graced the runway alongside other respected senior personalities. Their presence wasn’t just for show. It was a bold statement: growing older should never mean fading into the background.

Benson Muhindo, Head of Programmes at Reach A Hand Uganda, said the idea for Threads of Legacy was born out of conversations held during last year’s Universal Health Coverage Day.

“We asked ourselves how we can reduce loneliness and mental health challenges among older persons,” Muhindo explained. “We want them to live happy and fulfilled lives.”

For him, the fashion show was symbolic. It was a reminder that older persons remain active, gifted and deserving of recognition. Aging, he emphasized, should be celebrated — not pitied.

The event was organised in partnership with the HelpAge Advocacy Network of Uganda (HANU), an organisation dedicated to promoting the rights and wellbeing of older persons.

Sylvia Asiimwe, Coordinator of HANU, said visibility and respect were at the heart of the event.

“Older persons still have energy and passion,” she noted. “But many times, programmes focus on children, women and youth, and older persons are left out.”

She highlighted the daily challenges many seniors face — limited access to healthcare, financial strain and gaps in the protection of their rights. Yet despite these hurdles, many grandparents continue to play a central role in their families, often caring for and raising children.

“It takes strength to grow old,” Asiimwe said. “Many families still depend on grandparents. We must recognise and support them.”

In keeping with its health advocacy mission, Reach A Hand Uganda also provided health services to participants during the event. It was a practical way of reinforcing the message that healthcare and wellbeing should be prioritised at every stage of life.

Muhindo expressed gratitude to partners who supported the initiative but was quick to point out that this is just the start.

“This is only the beginning,” he said. “We want our seniors to live longer, healthier and happier lives.”

Threads of Legacy also builds on previous intergenerational programmes that bring young people and older persons together to share stories, wisdom and lived experiences. By creating spaces where generations can connect, the organisation hopes to strengthen mutual understanding and respect.

Through fashion, music and open conversations, the event proved that advocacy doesn’t have to be dull or distant. It can be vibrant, creative and deeply human. More importantly, it reminded everyone in attendance that aging is not a burden — it is a journey marked by resilience, wisdom and legacy, and it deserves to be honoured.