The Uganda National Bureau of Standards has intensified efforts to improve access to safe and affordable menstrual health products by championing stronger standards and policy reforms.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a two-day Menstrual Hygiene Symposium held in Kampala from April 8 to 9, 2026. The event was organized in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund and the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund, bringing together over 100 stakeholders from government, private sector, and civil society.
Speaking at the symposium, Hajj Aziz Mukota, Manager Testing Services at UNBS, emphasized the importance of enforcing quality standards to protect public health.
“Menstrual health management is a matter of human rights, dignity, health, and gender equity. As UNBS, we are committed to ensuring that all menstrual products on the market comply with the relevant national standards,” he said.
UNBS has developed several standards covering both disposable and reusable menstrual products, including sanitary towels, menstrual cups, and tampons.
Uganda is also contributing to global standards through its participation in ISO Technical Committee 338, which focuses on menstrual products. UNBS is playing a key role through its technical committee on textiles and related products.
Participants called for tax and regulatory reforms to lower the cost of menstrual products. They also emphasized the need to promote local manufacturing and expand access, especially for underserved communities.
Stakeholders noted that many girls in Uganda miss school due to lack of affordable menstrual products and inadequate sanitation facilities.
They said addressing the challenge requires coordinated action across policy, standards enforcement, and market development.
Hajj Mukota said UNBS will continue working with government agencies, development partners, and private sector players to improve product quality and access.
“We will continue to support the development, promotion and enforcement of standards, while fostering an enabling environment for innovation and investment in menstrual health solutions. Our goal is to protect consumers, facilitate trade, and ultimately improve the well-being of all Ugandans,” he said.
The symposium forms part of a broader regional initiative aimed at strengthening menstrual health systems and improving regulatory frameworks across Africa.
