KAMPALA — The Ministry of Health has welcomed the launch of Union Sanitary Pads, describing the product as a significant step toward improving menstrual health management and supporting girls' education through increased access to affordable sanitary products.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Allan Kasozi, Senior Medical Officer in the Division of Adolescent and School Health at the Ministry of Health, said the new product provides an affordable alternative that could help address challenges faced by adolescent girls across the country.
“We are pleased to witness the launch of Union Sanitary Pads, which provide another choice on the market. What is particularly encouraging is that these pads are highly affordable, making them accessible to many young people, especially adolescents,” Dr Kasozi said.
He noted that limited access to menstrual hygiene products remains a major barrier to girls’ education, with some students missing classes or dropping out of school due to a lack of sanitary pads.
Dr Kasozi warned that some girls resort to risky coping mechanisms, including transactional sex, to obtain menstrual products, exposing them to exploitation and other vulnerabilities.
He praised the product’s pricing, noting that a packet containing 10 sanitary pads retails at Shs1,800, making it one of the most affordable options currently available on the Ugandan market.
“That is highly commendable because it is currently among the lowest-priced sanitary pad products on the market. We hope that more parents will be able to afford these pads, giving their daughters a better opportunity to stay in school and achieve their dreams,” he said.
The sanitary pads were launched by Union Transport Alliance as part of its broader strategy to address social and economic challenges affecting ordinary Ugandans, particularly women and girls.
Speaking at the event, Union Transport Alliance Chief Executive Officer Fred Ssenoga said the initiative was informed by research conducted within the transport sector, which highlighted the difficulties many women face in accessing affordable and quality menstrual hygiene products.
According to Ssenoga, women make up a significant proportion of members’ households, making their empowerment central to the organisation’s development agenda.
He said the alliance partnered with one of Uganda’s leading manufacturers to develop the Union Sanitary Pads brand following extensive consultations and research.
Ssenoga emphasized that improved access to affordable menstrual hygiene products would boost the confidence of women and girls, enabling them to participate fully in education, employment and community activities.
He added that the initiative is intended to promote dignity, confidence and equal opportunities for women and girls while contributing to improved menstrual health management across the country.
The launch comes amid growing calls from education and health stakeholders for increased investment in menstrual hygiene management as a way of reducing school absenteeism, improving educational outcomes and promoting the well-being of girls and young women.
