Three in ten adolescent girls in Mubende District miss school monthly due to a lack of menstrual supplies.
A growing educational crisis is unfolding in Mubende District as new data reveals 3 in 10 adolescent girls miss school monthly due to a lack of menstrual supplies. The situation has reached alarming proportions, particularly in rural sub-counties where families struggle to afford basic sanitary protection.
School administrators across multiple institutions report plunging attendance rates among female students. At St. Kizito Madudu RC Primary School, Headteacher Kwesiga Maxim confirmed the trend: "We've observed a disturbing pattern where girls disappear for days each month, directly impacting their academic performance." His counterpart at St. Charles Buganyi Primary, Edward Isabirye, echoed these concerns, noting the problem persists even in relatively better-resourced areas.
Pan Africa CU and Could You Cup organisations conducted joint research identifying economic hardship as the primary driver. Vice President Oliver Muteesi explained: "Our findings show most parents earn less than 5,000 shillings daily—sanitary pads costing 3,000 shillings become unaffordable luxuries." The organisations distributed over 500 reusable sanitary pads and pairs of shoes to mitigate the crisis.
Despite overwhelming evidence, Mubende District School Inspector Everest Mutebi downplayed the issue, attributing absenteeism to parental negligence rather than material lack. This position contrasts sharply with grassroots observations from teachers and health workers.
Beneficiary girls described previously using rags, leaves, or newspaper during periods, often leading to leaks and embarrassment that kept them home. Parents acknowledged the relief brought by donations but emphasised the need for sustainable solutions beyond temporary aid.
The menstrual equity gap threatens to reverse Uganda's educational gains, particularly affecting rural girls' transition to secondary education. With Mubende's menstrual poverty rate mirroring national trends, advocates demand government intervention through free sanitary distribution programs in schools.
