Summary:
President Museveni originally made the pledge in 2015 while campaigning in the Lango sub-region, promising that his government would ensure school-going girls receive sanitary pads.
KAMPALA: Nearly a decade after President Museveni pledged to provide free sanitary pads to school-going girls in Uganda, the government has admitted it can no longer fulfill this promise due to economic constraints.
Minister of Gender Betty Amongi made the revelation during a parliamentary session on Thursday while responding to concerns raised by Brenda Nabukenya (Luwero DWR) regarding the lack of sanitary towels for incarcerated women.
“We examined the proposal for free sanitary pads, but given the current economic situation, it is not feasible at the moment. However, I will present the issue of taxation on sanitary products to the Cabinet, and since tax laws come before Parliament, we will explore possible solutions,” Amongi stated.
President Museveni originally made the pledge in 2015 while campaigning in the Lango sub-region, promising that his government would ensure school-going girls receive sanitary pads.
Nabukenya further highlighted the dire situation faced by women in prisons, many of whom struggle to access sanitary products.
“I have spoken to several women in prison who told me they only get sanitary towels when their families can send them. The Ministry must ensure incarcerated women have access to all essential hygiene products,” Nabukenya urged, during a debate on a statement commemorating International Women’s Day.
