Arua, Uganda: National Female Youth MP Aspirant for 2026-2030, Ms Siyemah Atukunda, electrified Arua City with a bold message of hope, dignity, and transformation for the Ugandan girl-child during the first-ever Pad-A-Girl Run held on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
The community-driven event, held under the theme “Empowering Girls With Safe Menstrual Hygiene to End Teenage Pregnancies,” at the OPM Grounds in Arua City, drew thousands of enthusiastic participants who joined the movement to end period stigma, promote menstrual health education, and support vulnerable girls through the donation of sanitary pads and menstrual kits.
Speaking after the run, Siyemah used the moment to reinforce her campaign commitment to championing youth-centered, girl-friendly policies once elected to Parliament.
“As an aspirant for National Female Youth MP, it is prudent for us to stand for the young people in all aspects of our lives once we are in leadership positions,” she said. “A lot can be achieved if we meaningfully represent the young people at all levels.”
Also present at the run was Rashula Adidi, a former journalist and aspiring Northern Youth MP, who declared her intention to move from storytelling to direct advocacy through elective leadership.
“As a journalist, I observed these challenges firsthand. But I could only amplify voices without participating in decision-making. Now I want to be part of the solution,” Rashula said.
One of the mothers, Ms Biyanka Rose, added an emotional voice to the campaign, urging parents to educate their daughters on bodily changes. “When you don’t inform your daughter, she becomes vulnerable. We need to raise empowered, knowledgeable girls,” she said.
The Pad-A-Girl Run, flagged off by Arua Central Division MP Hon. Atima Jackson Lee Buti, was hosted by Patricia Jane Alobo, known as the Queen of West Nile, who spearheaded the initiative to provide safe menstrual hygiene solutions and eliminate shame linked to menstruation.
“This initiative is to empower young girls in West Nile through menstrual hygiene, sex and reproductive health education, to ensure no girl misses school because of stigma, shame, or lack of confidence,” said Alobo.
Siyemah Atukunda’s presence at the event not only energized participants but also positioned her as the national youth leader ready to confront period poverty, youth neglect, and gendered social exclusion head-on.
He message fully resonated with young women, mothers, and community leaders who see her not just as a political candidate, but as a committed advocate for gender equality, youth empowerment, and social justice.
The event closed with certificates awarded to partners and participants, with Voice of Life FM among those honoured for championing girl-child issues in West Nile.
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