Miss Climate Awareness crowned on Women’s Day
“It is Sandra Namirembe!” the address system boomed, sparking ululations, applause, tears of joy, hugs, and excited whispers.
Sandra Namirembe (middle) was crowned the winner of Uganda’s first-ever Miss Climate contest. (Courtesy photos)
By Titus Kakembo
Journalists @New Vision
________________
On International Women’s Day, the drums fell silent at Uganda National Theatre as the winner of Uganda’s first-ever Miss Climate contest was announced.
“It is Sandra Namirembe!” the address system boomed, sparking ululations, applause, tears of joy, hugs, and excited whispers.
“She has brains and beauty. That eloquence, complexion, confidence, and creativity all in one!” whispered some of the girls in the audience.
“And the first runner-up is none other than Jerusha Prudence, the sign language expert.”
“It was her empathy for the inclusion of the less privileged in the fight against climate change that won her the judges’ admiration,” murmured an impressed photographer, Marvin Sekito.
Patience Natukunda was named second runner-up, letting out a deep sigh of relief.
Several other participants were recognised for their contributions:
- Miss Climate – Green Innovation: Kyarikunda Bridget
- Miss Climate – Water Conservation: Auma Olivia
- Miss Climate – Community Impact: Ademun Karen Helmy
Regional winners included
- Western Uganda: Kirungi Christine
- Northern Uganda: Stella Aber
- Central Uganda: Maria Namu Maurine
Bismark Amunpeire, CEO of the African Tourism and Environment Initiative (ATEI), the contest organisers, expressed optimism about the future of the project.
“The competition kicked off with great momentum, and we expect the next phase to build on this success,” he said.
Amunpeire revealed that the initial auditions drew 50 contestants, which were whittled down to ten finalists.
These finalists underwent a 30-day boot camp at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, where they refined their public speaking, deepened their environmental knowledge, and honed their communication skills.
“Ultimately, everyone is a winner, as all participants have been elevated to the role of regional environmental ambassadors,” Amunpeire added.
The overall winner, Sandra Namirembe, will represent Uganda at the upcoming COP in Brazil and will work closely with the Ministries of Water and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities.
Irene Chekwot, principal climate change officer in the Ministry of Water and Environment, emphasised the importance of the contest in light of increasing climate-related challenges.
“Landslides, rivers overflowing in the Rwenzori Mountains, worsening droughts, and pest outbreaks are all on the rise. These are clear indicators that climate change is already here,” Chekwot said on behalf of the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Held under the theme “Accelerating Women’s Involvement in Climate Action for Resilience, Livelihoods, and a Sustainable World,” the event also served as a prelude to Uganda Water and Environment Week.