As Uganda joins the global community in marking Menstrual Hygiene Day, advocates are once again calling on the government to honor a long-standing promise to provide free sanitary pads to school-going girls a commitment made by President Museveni during his 2015 campaign in the Lango sub-region and later included in the NRM government’s 2016–2021 manifesto.
Despite the pledge, the initiative remains stalled, prompting renewed concern among menstrual hygiene champions who say inaction is undermining the health, education, and dignity of young girls across the country.
Observed annually on May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management.
Initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2013 and first observed in 2014, the day brings together individuals, NGOs, businesses, and the media to break the silence around menstruation and promote supportive policies and practices.
Among those advocating for immediate action is Ms. Dorothy Awori, Executive Director of Malaika Reusable Pads, who warns of the severe impact poor menstrual hygiene management can have on girls’ education.
“Poor menstrual hygiene management could lead to girls missing up to 50 days of school per year, which can negatively impact their education and overall well-being,” she said.
She stresses the urgent need for comprehensive sex education that includes menstrual health to help tackle deep-rooted cultural taboos and stigma.
Ms. Hadijja Mwanje, founder of High Sound for Children, underscores that menstrual hygiene is not just a matter of convenience, it’s essential to women’s health.
“Proper menstrual hygiene practices, including regular hand washing and using appropriate menstrual products, help prevent reproductive and urinary tract infections, which can lead to serious health complications like infertility and complications during childbirth,” she emphasised.
She also notes that maintaining good hygiene has a powerful effect on women’s confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to engage more fully in daily life.
Advocates argue that the continued delay in fulfilling the government’s promise is a missed opportunity to uplift young girls and women.
They are urging policymakers to act now, transforming promises into policies and policies into real, tangible change for Uganda’s girls.
