STATE minister for primary education Peter Lokeris on Friday launched a sanitary kits worth millions of shillings to be distributed to girls in northern and northeastern Uganda.

"Management of menstruation is a challenge. It is one of the causes of high drop-out rates of girls because schools do not give adequate information and facilities to cater for the needs of the girls during menstruation.

"This kit will go a long way in assisting the girls to manage menstruation, so that they can enjoy school and improve academic performance since they will no longer miss school and will build their confidence," Lokeris said while handing over kits to girls at Police primary school in Gulu on Friday..

The sanitary kits, which contain mirrors, combs, vaseline, a tooth brush, sanitary towels, nail cutters and pens and notebooks, were procured by Multi-Dime consultancy Ltd on behalf of the ministry of education with funding from USAID.

Lokeris said the kits would be given to girls in P.5, P.6 and P.7 in primary schools in Acholi, Lango and Teso. "The kit will encourage girls to stay in school," he said.

The beneficiary districts are, Apac, Amolatar, Amuria, Gulu, Kaberamaido, Katakwi, Kitgum, Lira, Pader and Soroti.

Gulu RDC Col. Walter Ochora and Multi-Dime chief Byagutaaga Mwesiga attended.