On International Women’s Day, the Africa Tourism and Environment Initiatives (ATEI) achieved a significant milestone by crowning Uganda’s inaugural Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda.
The event, themed “Accelerating Women’s Involvement in Climate Action for Resilience, Livelihoods, and a Sustainable World,” served as a vibrant kickoff for Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK).
This initiative aims to illustrate the human consequences of climate change through the lens of fashion and pageantry, highlighting that while women are disproportionately affected by climate change, they are also vital in developing sustainable solutions.
Recent statistics indicate that Uganda has experienced a temperature increase of up to 2°C above the average and a more than 30% rise in extreme weather events over the last decade, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Bismac Moses Amumpaire, Team Lead at ATEI, remarked, “This event marks a significant advancement in motivating our youth. It honors the resilience, creativity, and leadership of young women who are essential in realizing SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).”
Sandra Namirembe received her crown from Ms. Irene Chekwot, Principal Climate Change Officer, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment.
The Runners-Up include: Jerusha Prudence (First Runner-Up), and Sharon Natukunda (Second Runner-Up).
The special titleholders for 2025-26 are Miss Climate – Green Innovation: Bridget Kyarikunda; Miss Climate Water Conservation Olivia Auma; and Miss Climate Community Impact Karen Helmy Ademun
Regional representatives include Christine Kirungi (Western Uganda); Stella Aber (Northern Uganda); Maria Maurine Namu (Central Uganda); and Henrytah Namulondo (Eastern Uganda).
The event was organized in partnership with Chocolate Safaris, Uganda Wildlife Authority (via UWEC Entebbe Zoo), and Brand Ambassadors 256.
ATEI’s broader mission is reinforced by a diverse portfolio of initiatives, including: a tree-planting drive to boost climate resilience, wildlife concerts (harnessing the power of music to engage youth in conservation), Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards (honoring exemplary efforts in sustainable tourism), climate awareness marathon: to raise environmental consciousness through sports, empowering indigenous communities, providing support for reformed cattle rustlers in Karamoja, and Green Schools Project (integrating vital climate education into school curricula).
This inaugural event is far more than a pageant—it marks the beginning of a powerful movement toward women-led climate action and environmental sustainability in Uganda.
ATEI invites media houses, partners, and stakeholders to join us as we drive this transformative journey forward.
