By Mujasi Siragi Mubajje
KIRYANDONGO, UGANDA
Students and staff at schools in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement have reported improved hygiene and access to menstrual supplies following a recent humanitarian outreach, but warn that rising school fees and declining aid could reverse progress, particularly for refugee girls.
A coalition of student leaders returned to the settlement in February, delivering sanitary pads, handwashing facilities, clothes and scholastic materials to Arnold Primary School, Panyadoli Self Help Secondary School and Panyadoli Health Centre IV. The outreach was led by the Muslim Students Association of Uganda (MSAU) in partnership with Direct Aid Society Uganda.
MSAU’s Makindye Division, which brings together students from Islamic Call University, Cavendish University, Kampala International University (KIU), and the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), selected Arnold Primary School as its core partner following a 2025 television report showing girls in the settlement using sand during menstruation due to lack of sanitary materials.
We could not sit comfortably with that. Being a refugee is not a crime. This is service prescribed by our faith and our duty to humanity. Said Muhoozi Abdusalam, MSAU Vice President.
During the February visit, MSAU delivered 101 boxes of sanitary pads alongside clothes and scholastic materials. The group also planned to sponsor school fees for 100 Primary Seven pupils this year, up from a smaller number in 2025, though that target is now uncertain.
Organizers say reduced humanitarian funding has significantly increased school fees.
School fees have increased from 6,000 to 34,000 shillings due to cuts in aid. We now need more funds to reach our target, but we still have resources set aside. Said Ageno Julian Kauthara, a student at Cavendish University and MSAU Secretary for Women Affairs.
Despite the challenges, Kauthara noted improvements since the group’s first visit. She said fewer girls are resorting to using sand during menstruation and more are accessing cloth or sanitary pads.
At Arnold Primary School, staff welcomed the assistance but emphasized ongoing need.
We received clothes, handwashing facilities, sanitary pads and soap. This is not the first time. But the condition of these children is still difficult. We request more support. Said Obo Dennis, the school’s teacher in charge of health and sanitation.
At Panyadoli Self Help Secondary School, where most students are refugees, teachers said the donations are already helping.
Most of our students are refugees and sometimes cannot afford sanitary pads. Help is already at hand, and we urge other organizations to support us further. Said Avako Luci, a teacher at the school.
The school’s Head Girl, Achimango Melisa, encouraged fellow students to remain focused on their education.
Being educated is about your effort,” she said. “Marriage is not a priority right now. We still have the strength and energy to do a lot in the future.”
At Panyadoli Health Centre IV, midwife Helen Akwero said the adolescent clinic frequently receives school-going girls in urgent need of menstrual supplies.
We are so grateful for this gift. It is really a sign of hope. However, the number of girls we serve is always large. If more supplies are available, we would be grateful. Akwero said.
Dr. Makumbi Hamza, Health Care and Relief Officer for Direct Aid Society Uganda, said the organization remains committed to supporting refugees.
Our goal is to restore dignity and give hope.We urge refugees to remain self-reliant and pursue their goals. he said.
MSAU and Direct Aid thanked donors, Islamic Call University, Cavendish University, Kampala International University, and the Islamic University in Uganda administrations for supporting the initiative, while appealing for renewed funding to offset rising costs and sustain education gains.
Being a refugee is not the end. We must continue supporting these learners so they can build a better future. Abdusalam said.
May Allah bless everyone