education 24 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ecobank Uganda and Red Cross Raise Shs200m to Support 10,000 Girls Facing Menstrual Challenges in School
Ecobank Uganda and the Uganda Red Cross Society are fundraising Shs200 million to provide sanitary pads for 10,000 vulnerable girls, helping them stay in school despite menstrual hygiene issues. The initiative, launched in 2019, has already aided 120,000 girls and includes plans for a reusable pads manufacturing plant. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ecobank-uganda-red-cross-in-shs200m-drive-to-keep-10-000-girls-in-school-5402104
Ecobank Uganda Ltd and the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) have launched a Shs200 million fundraising campaign under their ‘Keep a Girl in School’ initiative. The funds will buy sanitary towels for 10,000 vulnerable girls who often miss school due to lack of menstrual hygiene products.
At a fundraising breakfast in Kampala on March 24, 2026, Ecobank Managing Director Grace Muliisa explained that Shs20,000 keeps one girl in school for a year. She highlighted how girls miss about three days monthly because of these challenges, calling it a major barrier to education.
Started in 2019, the program has supported 120,000 girls so far. It stems from a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Ecobank and URCS for community development efforts. URCS Secretary General Robert Kwesiga noted the initiative restores dignity and boosts school retention.
URCS is also building a reusable sanitary pads plant in Namakwa, Mukono District, with a UK foundation. Once operational, it will produce 200,000 pads yearly—20% free for 10,000 schoolgirls, and the rest sold affordably to sustain operations.
Ministry of Education and Sports Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace Turyagenda praised the partnership at the event, saying it advances inclusive education and helps girls contribute to Uganda’s future.
Source: Daily Monitor