UNION TRANSPORT ALLIANCE LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO PROVIDE ONE MILLION SANITARY PADS TO VULNERABLE GIRLS

EcomediaugJuly 16, 2026Read original

The campaign was officially launched on Wednesday, at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, drawing leaders from the transport sector, government officials, development partners and youth advocates.

Among the notable guests were Dr Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance; Assistant Commissioner of Police Irene Kauma, the Senior Private Secretary to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports; and officials from the Ministry of Health, alongside leaders from the Union Transport Alliance.

Speaking during the launch, UTA Chief Executive Officer Fred Ssenoga said period poverty remains one of Uganda’s biggest barriers to girls’ education, explaining that one in every four girls drops out of school due to menstruation related challenges, while one in every ten girls misses school every month for lack of sanitary products.

“For only UGX 20,000, one girl can receive sanitary pads for an entire year. That means no more missed lessons, no more shame, and a brighter future,” Ssenoga said, urging Ugandans, companies and well-wishers to join the campaign.

The launch was marked by several financial pledges from leaders across different sectors. Omoro District Member of Parliament Andrew Oulanyah pledged UGX 5 million towards the initiative and promised to continue mobilising additional support.

The Chairperson of the Trucks Union, Asadu Musisi, announced a personal contribution of UGX 500,000, and committed to supporting a school in Abim District that had accommodated truck drivers during the Sudan border closure, pledging pads for girls at the school throughout the year.

The Ministry of Health also backed the initiative. Dr Richard Mugahi, Commissioner for Reproductive Health, described period poverty as a contributor to teenage pregnancies and poor school attendance, pledging UGX 1 million from the ministry along with technical support for the campaign. Former National Female Youth MP candidate Ampaire Diana praised the alliance for leading the campaign, saying the involvement of men in the initiative lent it broader credibility.

Leaders from Uganda’s transport industry announced further commitments. Bus Union Chairman Kakaire Umar said the country’s more than 60 bus companies would participate in fundraising, proposing a UGX 1 million contribution from each to raise a combined UGX 60 million.

Taxi Union Chairman Mr Sekindi pledged UGX 5 million to support girls in Kalungu District, alongside a personal donation of UGX 2 million, with Lubiri Nabagereka School set to become one of the first beneficiaries. Boda Boda Union Chairman Frank Mawejje committed to distributing 500 sanitary pads to schools across Kampala Metropolitan, saying the boda boda fraternity would use its network to reach girls in need.

Organisers said the pledges made at the launch had given the campaign strong early momentum, expressing confidence that collective action from individuals, companies and institutions would help it reach its target of one million girls. If successfully implemented, the campaign is expected to improve school attendance, reduce dropout rates and support Ugandan girls to pursue their education with dignity.