The Ugandan government has backtracked on its promise to provide free sanitary pads to schoolgirls, citing economic constraints, almost a decade after President Yoweri Museveni first pledged the initiative.
The announcement was made by Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, as she responded to concerns raised by Brenda Nabukenya, a Member of Parliament for Luwero District, regarding the lack of sanitary provisions for incarcerated women.
The revelation comes amid growing concerns over menstrual hygiene management in Uganda’s education system. A recent report by Auditor General Edward Akol, presented to Parliament in June 2024, highlighted that 64% of female students miss school due to inadequate access to menstrual products and proper sanitation facilities.
“From interviews and surveys conducted, 64% of female learners reported missing school during their menstrual periods due to the lack of sanitary materials and hygiene facilities. This is largely due to the non-prioritisation of water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure in schools by District Local Governments,” Akol stated in his report.
Brenda Nabukenya, who raised the issue in Parliament during a session marking International Women’s Day, also called for urgent intervention in prisons, where female inmates struggle to access sanitary products.
“We have women in prisons who do not have access to sanitary pads. Many of them have to wait until their families provide them. The Ministry needs to visit these prisons and ensure that these women receive the necessary support,” Nabukenya urged.
The government’s failure to fulfil its commitment has drawn criticism from rights activists and lawmakers who argue that inadequate menstrual hygiene support continues to hinder girls’ education and dignity. The issue remains a pressing concern, particularly as Uganda grapples with broader economic challenges affecting social service delivery.