Uganda has made considerable progress in improving the quality of primary education through introducing Universal Primary Education (UPE), however, the cultural set up of Bugisu has increasingly contributed to (GBV), child abuse, early marriages and school dropout directly impacting on education . Girls are particularly vulnerable and hit hardest by the negative effects of the circumcision celebrations. Worse still, 80% of girls miss schools as a result of menstrual frustration resulting from lack of appropriate sanitary ware and as a result they have no option but to use rags, toilet paper, newspaper, leaves, and disposable nappies.

With support from Amplify Change, NCD is implementing a one year project entitled Strengthening Community Approaches for Quality Education in Uganda that aims at contributing to improved child rights programming for quality of Universal Primary Education in Uganda. The project aims at reducing pupil absenteeism resulting into school dropout which is largely caused by lack of menstrual sanitary pads and GBV during circumcision. 

The project is employing Theatre for development by raising awareness during the circumcision ceremonies. Kadodi dance, is a key tool that is not only used to mobilize community members for awareness raising but also as a model that amplifies the need to eliminate pupil absenteeism and drop out during these ceremonies.

The project is implemented in 8 schools (Budadiri Girls P/S, Bulwala P/S, Bukyambi P/S, Kirali Primary School, Busiita P/S, Buhugu P/S, Kalawa P/S and Divine Education Centre) in Sironko District and it has equipped 35 parents, 14 teachers and 70 children with knowledge and skills on Menstrual Hygiene Management. 

The project has reached 310 persons with information on GBV prevention during circumcision, 620 persons with information on menstrual hygiene management and supported 276 UPE school going children with reusable pads.