Civil Aviation Authority Spearheads Construction of Reusable Sanitary Pads in Busoga Following NTV Story

Namayingo and Buyala village, Budondo in Jinja District are set to benefit from new equipment for manufacturing reusable sanitary pads, thanks to an initiative by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA).
This follows an intervention sparked by an NTV report earlier this year highlighting the challenges faced by girls in the Busoga region due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products.
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The NTV story, aired in February, exposed the difficulties faced by vulnerable girls in Jinja and Namayingo districts, who have been forced to use unhygienic alternatives like soil, banana leaves, and old mattresses during menstruation, significantly impacting their health and education.
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In response, UCAA organized the third edition of the Aviation Run on Sunday, October 20, 2024, in collaboration with the Uganda Aeronautical Information Officers Association (UGAISOA).
The run, held at the Mayors’ Gardens in Entebbe, was part of the activities to mark the 80th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
While addressing participants, UCAA Director General, Fred Bamwesigye, praised the turnout, stating, “Whether you are a winner or not, you are all champions. Your participation today contributes not only to your health and well-being but also to the charity aimed at supporting these vulnerable girls.”
Bamwesigye acknowledged the tremendous support from key industry stakeholders and partners, including UGAISOA, who helped mobilize participants. He noted that the proceeds from the run would fund the purchase of materials and equipment needed to manufacture reusable sanitary towels for girls in Namayingo and Budondo. This initiative is aimed at addressing the critical need for menstrual hygiene products in the region, thereby improving the lives and education of many young girls.
He emphasized that the eevent was not just about accolades but about connecting people and giving back to the community. The Aviation Run also attracted top and elite runners, adding special significance to the event.
Bamwesigye extended gratitude to all the partners who participated in the event, including DHL, Entebbe Municipal Council, National Water & Sewerage Corporation, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Kajjansi Executive Aviation, Yalicos, China Communications Construction Company, Uganda Air Cargo Corporation, and various air operators, schools, and government agences.
Additionally, Bamwesigye highlighted the growth in the aviation sector, noting that Entebbe International Airport recorded 188,710 passengers in September 2024, an increase from 171,300 passengers in the same month of 2023. He also shared that the airport handled 5,739 metric tonnes of cargo during the same period.
In conclusion, he thanked all stakeholders for their continued support and partnership with the government, noting the vital role air transport plays in driving socio-economic development across various sectors, including toursm, agriculture, and oil and gas. He washed all participants a joyous event and expressed hope for the continued success of future aviation runs.
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