By Sulah Kagugube
Three Miss Uganda UK titleholders Caitlin Lalum (2019–2020), Vanessa Naddamba (2022–2023), and Faith Rusoke (2024) have joined efforts to raise awareness about menstrual health and support schoolgirls facing challenges related to periods.
The queens visited Entebbe Girls’ Secondary School in Kigungu, Wakiso District, where they spoke to students, renovated the school library, and launched a campaign encouraging conversations about menstrual health. Their goal is to reduce the stigma that often keeps girls out of class.
“Periods should never be a barrier to education,” said Caitlin. “When girls can talk openly about their periods, the shame starts to fade. In Kitgum, where we visited earlier, there was barely any conversation around the topic, and that silence leads to fear and girls missing school.”
Vanessa Naddamba pointed out that different girls face different challenges. “For some, it’s about not having access to pads. For others, it’s the pain that comes with menstruation. That’s why we want to listen to them and help where we can,” she said. “If girls can learn vocational skills like sewing, they can make their own reusable pads. That alone can make a big difference.”
Faith Rusoke added that their visit was also about creating a better learning environment. “We helped renovate the school library because education is just as important as health. When girls have safe spaces to learn and talk about their experiences, they can thrive both in and out of class,” she said.
The campaign, which started in northern Uganda, focuses on combining menstrual health education with practical skills. The queens say they hope to continue visiting more schools across the country and keep the conversation going.
“We want to understand what the girls are going through and find real ways to support them,” said Vanessa.
The library at Entebbe Girls’ School now has new furniture and a fresh coat of paint, but for the queens, the real success will be when more girls stay in school without fear or shame linked to menstruation.
