THE GIRLS WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS SCHOOL: How Fred Ssenoga’s Union Transport Alliance Is Tackling Menstrual Poverty in Uganda

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reported from Kampala on an initiative led by Fred Ssenoga Bagenda, the Managing Director and CEO of Union Transport Alliance, aimed at reducing menstrual poverty among Ugandan schoolgirls. The article says the organisation’s Kili Clear Union Sanitary Pads programme is intended to improve access to affordable menstrual hygiene products for girls and women, with a related “One Million Girls, One Million Pads” campaign focused on distribution and awareness.

According to the report, Ssenoga frames menstrual health as an education, health and dignity issue, arguing that lack of sanitary products can keep girls out of school, reduce confidence and contribute to longer-term learning setbacks. Watchdog Uganda describes the problem as driven by the cost of sanitary pads, limited availability of supplies and stigma around menstruation, with schools and families often left to manage the consequences.

A distinctive element of the Union Transport Alliance approach, as presented by the publisher, is the proposed use of Uganda’s transport networks to support delivery of menstrual health products and community outreach. Ssenoga is reported to see boda boda riders, taxis and bus operators as potential partners in connecting communities to essential services, not only as commercial transport providers.

The article also notes that the programme’s impact remains to be tested. Key questions include how many schools and girls will be reached, whether the distribution model can be sustained, and whether rural or underserved learners will benefit. More broadly, the report places the initiative within ongoing efforts by schools, communities, government and private actors to reduce barriers that affect girls’ attendance and participation in education.