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Several schools in the Gulu District operate without menstrual hygiene facilities for girls, a situation that has forced some girls to leave school prematurely.

Menstrual hygiene facilities include changing rooms, washrooms, latrine stances, incinerators for disposing of menstrual waste, clean water sources, detergents, towel pieces, and sanitary pads. An incinerator is a requirement by the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Mr Tito Lutwa, the Gulu District inspector of schools, acknowledged the importance of menstrual hygiene facilities in promoting girls’ education. Mr Lutwa emphasised that while the district aims to equip all schools with these facilities, the lack of a dedicated budget means they must rely on development partners for support.

“We have been having this kind of myth that while on menstruation, you will remain at home, but we are now trying to make sure that all the schools have these facilities so that a girl-child has all the decencies,’’ he said.

Mr Fred Opio, the Gulu District’s health inspector, also said while menstruation affects girls’ health and school attendance, the district lacks the resources to provide modern menstrual hygiene facilities in all schools.

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