A coalition of transport sector stakeholders has launched the "Kili Clear One Million Girls, One Million Pads" campaign, an initiative aimed at providing one million sanitary pads to vulnerable schoolgirls across Uganda.

The campaign seeks to mobilize support from the public, government leaders, and the private sector to ensure girls stay in school by improving access to affordable menstrual hygiene products.

Speaking at the launch, Union Transport Alliance Business Advisor Fred Ssenoga said many women and girls linked to the transport sector continue to struggle to access quality and affordable sanitary pads.

He said the alliance has therefore launched the 45-day campaign, calling on Ugandans, civil servants, and well-wishers to contribute 20,000 shillings towards the cause.

National Union Boda Boda Chairperson Frank Mawejje said boda boda riders embraced the campaign and will begin by supporting 500 schoolgirls in Kampala.

He pledged that the initiative will become an annual program to help reduce school dropout rates among girls. Mawejje also pledged two million shillings to support girls from underprivileged families in Kawempe and urged fellow riders to join the campaign.

UTOF Chairperson Hajji Rashid Ssekindi appealed to members of Parliament, political leaders, and all Ugandans to support the campaign by purchasing sanitary pads for vulnerable girls. He noted that UTOF will contribute five million shillings, while he personally pledged two million shillings.

Representing the bus operators, Umar said many girls have dropped out of school due to lack of sanitary products, adding that the transport fraternity is committed to ending the challenge.

Campaign ambassador Diana Ampiire Kampe commended men for taking the lead in supporting menstrual hygiene, saying the initiative will restore dignity and confidence among young girls.

Chairperson of Parliament's ICT Committee Andrew Ojok described the campaign as a practical investment in girls' education, noting that a contribution of 20,000 shillings can help keep a girl in school for an entire year. He pledged five million shillings and promised to rally fellow Members of Parliament to support the initiative.

Meanwhile, the commissioner for reproductive, maternal, and child health at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Richard Mugahi, said the high dropout rate among girls contributes to teenage pregnancies and other social challenges. He said improving access to sanitary pads will help keep girls in school and pledged government support for private sector efforts promoting menstrual health.

Organizers say the 45-day "Kili Clear One Million Girls, One Million Pads" campaign is expected to mobilize resources to distribute sanitary pads to vulnerable girls across Uganda, with the ultimate goal of reducing school dropouts and giving every girl an equal opportunity to complete her education.