Empowering Change: A New Era in Climate Action & Women’s Leadership

On International Women’s Day, Africa Tourism and Environment Initiatives (ATEI) made history by crowning Uganda’s first-ever Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda. With the event themed “Accelerating Women’s Involvement in Climate Action for Resilience, Livelihoods, and a Sustainable World,” this milestone served as a dynamic launchpad for Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK).

Designed to humanize the impacts of climate change through fashion and pageantry, the initiative emphasizes that although women are among the most affected by climate change, they are equally instrumental in crafting sustainable solutions. Recent figures reveal that Uganda has seen temperatures rise up to 2°C above average and a more than 30% increase in extreme weather events over the past decade—data that underlines the critical need for our efforts.

Bismac Moses Amumpaire, Team Lead at ATEI, commented, “This event represents a major leap forward in inspiring our youth. Itcelebrates the resilience, innovation, and leadership of young women who play a pivotal role in achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).”

Key Partners and Contributions:

• Chocolate Safaris: Provided essential transportation for the contestants.

• Uganda Wildlife Authority (via UWEC Entebbe Zoo): Hosted the intensive boot camp.

• Brand Ambassadors 256: Orchestrated the event flawlessly.

• Esteemed Judges: Offered their valuable time and expertise.

Event Highlights:

• Inaugural Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda:

• Sandra Namirembe was crowned by Ms. Irene Chekwot, Principal Climate Change Officer representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment.

• Runners-Up:

• Jerusha Prudence (First Runner-Up)

• Sharon Natukunda (Second Runner-Up)

• Special Titleholders for 2025-26:

• Miss Climate – Green Innovation: Kyarikunda Bridget

• Miss Climate – Water Conservation: Auma Olivia

• Miss Climate – Community Impact: Ademun Karen Helmy

• Regional Representatives:

• Western Uganda: Kirungi Christine

• Northern Uganda: Stella Aber

• Central Uganda: Maria Namu Maurine

• Eastern Uganda: Namulondo Henrytah

ATEI’s broader mission is reinforced by a diverse portfolio of initiatives, including:

• Pet A Tree: 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: Raising environmental consciousness through sports.

• Empowering Indigenous Communities: Providing support for reformed cattle rustlers in Karamoja.

• 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.