By Brian Mugenyi
KAMPALA, UGANDA —Union Transport Alliance Chief Executive Officer Fred Ssenoga has officially launched Union Sanitary Pads, an affordable menstrual hygiene product designed to fight period poverty while improving the health, confidence and productivity of women and girls across Uganda.
The launch took place on Wednesday at the Uganda Media Centre under the supervision of Mr. Allan Kasujja, Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre.
Ssenoga was joined by Union Transport Alliance Ambassador Alice Natukunda, transport sector leaders, women’s groups, development partners and several newly elected Members of Parliament to Uganda’s Twelfth Parliament, who pledged support for the nationwide campaign.
A major highlight of the event was the endorsement of Ms. Daina Ampaire of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) as the official Face of the Union Sanitary Pads Campaign. She will spearhead awareness campaigns encouraging schools, communities, charitable organizations and corporate companies to support menstrual hygiene among school-going girls.
Addressing journalists, Ssenoga announced that Union Sanitary Pads would be supplied to schools at Shs20,000 per package, enough to support one learner for an entire academic year.
The initiative primarily targets students while also serving working women and low-income households.
“We are targeting students because education should never stop because of menstruation. Every girl deserves to remain in school with dignity, confidence and good health,” Ssenoga said.
He explained that the idea behind Union Sanitary Pads was inspired by the daily struggles experienced by women during their menstrual periods.
According to Ssenoga, many women become physically weak and emotionally affected during menstruation, reducing their concentration and productivity both at work and at home.
“During their menstrual periods, many women become physically weak and mentally unstable because of the discomfort they experience. Some struggle to perform effectively at work while others find it difficult to carry out family responsibilities. That is why we created Union Sanitary Pads—to restore confidence, comfort and dignity to every woman and every girl child,” he said.
Ssenoga stressed that access to menstrual hygiene products should never depend on one’s financial status.
Instead, he said, affordable sanitary pads should be viewed as an investment in education, women’s health and Uganda’s future.
The launch forms part of Union Transport Alliance’s wider “Kili Clear Campaign,” which promotes confidence, comfort and affordability among women and girls.
Many school-going girls continue to miss lessons because they cannot afford sanitary pads, while others resort to unsafe alternatives that expose them to infections and other health risks.
Union Transport Alliance believes affordable sanitary products can significantly reduce school absenteeism while giving girls the confidence to participate fully in education.
The sanitary pads are manufactured using breathable materials and natural wood pulp to provide comfort, safety and reliable protection.
Company officials say the product has been developed specifically for students, working women and low-income families seeking quality menstrual hygiene products at affordable prices.
Addressing the gathering, Union Transport Alliance Ambassador Alice Natukunda appealed to schools, churches, non-governmental organisations and corporate institutions to support the campaign.
“We appeal to schools, companies and charitable organisations to partner with us by purchasing Union Sanitary Pads for students. Together we can reduce period poverty and ensure every girl remains in school,” Natukunda said.
The campaign also received a major boost from Ruka Pay, one of the strategic sponsors supporting the initiative.
Speaking during the launch, Ms. Margret Nasuwa, Brand Marketing Manager for Ruka Pay, thanked Union Transport Alliance for partnering with the company to improve menstrual hygiene among girls.
“We thank Union Transport Alliance for trusting us as one of the sponsors of the Union Sanitary Pads campaign. This partnership gives hope to thousands of girls who should never miss school because they cannot afford sanitary pads,” Nasuwa said.
She pledged that Ruka Pay would continue working closely with Union Transport Alliance to ensure the sanitary pads reach schools across Uganda.
“As Ruka Pay, we are fully committed to this partnership. We shall work with Union Transport Alliance to ensure Union Sanitary Pads are distributed in schools across Uganda. Investing in the girl child is investing in the future of our nation,” she added.
Speaking shortly after her endorsement as the campaign ambassador, Ms. Akampaire pledged to use her platform to advocate for girls’ education and menstrual health.
“No girl should miss school because she cannot afford a sanitary pad. I am honoured to serve as the face of this campaign, and I will work with Union Transport Alliance and our partners to ensure these products reach schools and vulnerable communities across Uganda,” she said.
For Union Transport Alliance, the launch represents far more than introducing another consumer product.
It is an investment in girls’ education.
It is a commitment to women’s health.
And it is a contribution towards restoring dignity to thousands of girls who continue to face unnecessary barriers simply because of menstruation.
As the Kili Clear Campaign rolls out nationwide, Ssenoga believes the initiative will help ensure that every girl remains in class, every woman works with confidence and every family benefits from improved health and dignity.
“When you support a girl to stay in school, you are investing in Uganda’s future. That is the vision behind Union Sanitary Pads,” Ssenoga concluded.
The post Pads of Hope: Fred Ssenoga Launches Union Sanitary Pads to Keep Uganda’s Girls in School and Restore Women’s Dignity By Brian Mugenyi appeared first on Watchdog Uganda.