UNOC, SAFER GLOBE launch menstrual health and sustainability project in Hoima schools
“We will ensure access to safe water in schools, which is crucial for managing menstruation,” he stated.
Hoima: In a transformative move to promote menstrual health and environmental sustainability, the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), in partnership with SAFER GLOBE Conservation Trust, has launched a school-based project to empower adolescent girls in the region.
The initiative was officially unveiled at Buseruka Secondary School, where administrators and students expressed gratitude for the timely support.
Mary Natukunda, a Senior Three student at Buseruka, shared the challenges she faces in managing her menstrual health, citing the high cost of sanitary pads as a barrier.
“I often use old clothes during my periods, which sometimes causes skin irritation, especially after walking long distances to school,” she said.
John Bosco Tibaijuka, the school head teacher, welcomed the project and commended the organizers for addressing a long-neglected issue in schools.
“We’ve noticed a high dropout rate among girls, and menstrual health is a major contributing factor. Sensitization and interventions like these are long overdue,” he added.
The project not only distributes reusable sanitary pads but also equips students with skills to sew their own, fostering both self-reliance and environmental sustainability.
Christopher Emanzi, Executive Director of SAFER GLOBE Conservation Trust, said the initiative will initially benefit 950 girls, with a long-term target of reaching 1,000. He emphasized the dual impact of promoting menstrual health while reducing waste through reusable products.
UNOC and SAFER GLOBE also donated two sewing machines to the school to support ongoing skills development.
Robert Mukondo, a Social Development Specialist at UNOC, noted that a thorough needs assessment revealed significant menstrual hygiene challenges among schoolgirls in the region.
“This project is a response to the urgent needs identified. Schools benefiting from this initiative include Buseruka Secondary School, Nyamasoga Primary School, Kabale Public School, and several others across Buliisa District,” Mukondo said.
Hilary Tumusiime, Secretary for Production and Education in the Hoima District Council, represented the LCV Chairperson Uthuman Mugisha at the launch. He pledged the district’s commitment to improving school infrastructure to support girls’ health and education.
“We will ensure access to safe water in schools, which is crucial for managing menstruation,” he stated.
Tumusiime also urged schools to designate private spaces where girls can change and bathe safely, and encouraged teachers to provide comprehensive menstrual hygiene education.
“Girls should share the skills they learn, like sewing reusable pads, with their peers and communities. This will help break the stigma and promote dignity and empowerment,” he concluded.
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