Dubbed “1 Million Pads for 1 Million Girls,” the initiative was unveiled on Wednesday at the Uganda Media Centre as the flagship corporate social responsibility programme under the KILI CLEAR Campaign, which introduced Union Sanitary Pads to the market in June.
The campaign seeks to mobilise support from government institutions, development partners, corporate organisations, schools, civil society organisations, and individuals to provide sanitary products to girls who cannot afford them.
Launching the initiative, Union Transport Alliance Chief Executive Officer Fred Ssenoga Bagenda said the campaign is designed not only to make sanitary pads affordable but also to ensure they reach girls most in need.
“Today, we are taking our promise to make sanitary pads affordable for every woman and girl even further. Through the ‘1 Million Pads for 1 Million Girls’ initiative, we are not only providing affordable products but also reaching girls who cannot afford them at all. This is a national movement to ensure that no girl ever misses school because of her period,” Ssenoga said.
He said the organisation is also finalising construction of a sanitary pad production plant that will ensure a steady supply of products as the campaign expands nationwide.
“In the past few weeks, we’ve been focused on finalising the Union Sanitary Pads production plant. This facility is critical to ensuring consistent, high-quality supply for this initiative. Construction is on schedule, and we will be ready to meet demand as the campaign scales,” he added.
Union Transport Alliance Chairman Frank Mawejje said the campaign has already partnered with about 50 schools and plans to expand its reach through the alliance’s nationwide grassroots network.
“Already, we have about 50 schools on board, and we are committed to visiting these schools and supporting girls directly. This is not just about today; it is about building a movement where one million girls are empowered every year to stay in school with confidence and dignity,” Mawejje said.
He noted that period poverty continues to affect girls’ access to education and called on Ugandans, including boda boda riders, to support the initiative.
“I personally commit Shs2 million towards this initiative and will support schools within Kawempe Division. Together, we can keep girls in school,” he said.
According to organisers, a contribution of Shs20,000 will provide one pack containing 100 Union sanitary pads, enough to support one girl for an entire year. Donations will be made through a dedicated mobile money code, allowing supporters to sponsor schools of their choice or beneficiaries identified by the campaign.
The Ministry of Health welcomed the initiative, describing menstrual hygiene as an important public health and education concern that requires collaboration between government and private sector players.
Speaking at the launch, Commissioner for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health Dr Richard Mugahi said inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products remains one of the factors contributing to school absenteeism among girls.
“We have seen cases where girls miss school due to inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products, and this can contribute to school dropout, vulnerability and other social challenges,” Dr Mugahi said.
He explained that menstrual health provides an opportunity to deliver broader reproductive health education to adolescent girls, helping them make informed decisions and reduce risks associated with teenage pregnancy.
Dr Mugahi said government is working with the Ministry of Education to pilot improved sanitation facilities in selected schools, including dedicated changing rooms and safe disposal systems for menstrual hygiene products, beginning with parts of northern Uganda.
“This is a comprehensive process that we are looking at as government, and we want to support this effort of the private sector to ensure that no girl is left behind,” he said.
National Female Youth MP NRM flag bearer for the 2026–2031 term, Diana Ampaire, who is also supporting the campaign, said menstrual health should be treated as both a public health and dignity issue.
“For many girls, periods come with fear, stigma and missed opportunities. Some even miss school because they cannot access sanitary products. This is why we must move beyond normalising the challenge and start creating real solutions,” she said.
Ampaire urged government, the private sector, communities, the media, and individuals to contribute towards the campaign, saying every effort would help restore confidence and dignity among girls.
Organisers said the initiative supports Uganda’s National Menstrual Health Guidelines by expanding access to menstrual hygiene products, promoting awareness, and contributing to improved educational outcomes for girls.
Using the Union Transport Alliance’s nationwide grassroots network, the campaign will coordinate mobilisation and distribution of sanitary pads to underserved communities, with the long-term goal of ensuring menstruation does not become a barrier to girls’ education, health, dignity, or future opportunities.