ATEI, Ministry of Water and Environment Hold Regional Auditions for Miss Climate Change Awareness 2026
Frank Semata 
Regional auditions for the Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda 2026 pageant have successfully concluded across the country, attracting dozens of passionate young women eager to champion climate action and environmental sustainability in their communities.
Organized by Africa Tourism and Environment Initiatives (ATEI) in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment, the initiative is part of the activities leading up to Uganda Water and Environment Week 2026.
The program seeks to empower young women to become advocates for climate awareness, environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Regional Auditions Draw Strong Participation
The regional auditions were held across five regions (Albertine, Southwestern, Northern, Eastern, and Central) each attracting a reasonable number of participants who showcased their understanding of climate change challenges and proposed solutions for their communities.
The first auditions kicked off on 5th March 2026 in the Albertine Region, where representatives from the regional organizing teams and partner institutions addressed the contestants.
Silver Mubangizi delivered remarks on behalf of the Albertine Water Management Zone (AWMZ), highlighting activities planned under the Albertine Regional Water and Environment Week.
Victoria Kinobe Nakatudde, speaking on behalf of the National Organizing Committee Youth Subcommittee, encouraged contestants to actively participate in other regional engagements such as the marathon and debates.
Representing ATEI, Bismac Moses Amumpaire shared the background of the Miss Climate Change Awareness initiative, emphasizing the importance of creating platforms that amplify youth voices in environmental advocacy.
After a competitive vetting process, judges selected the top three contestants for the region.
The awards were presented by Mr. Guma Brian Emmanuel, Team Leader of AWMZ, who urged the youth to remain at the forefront of climate and environmental action.
The winners for the Albertine Region were: Kenyana Cathy Tusiime – Winner, Kanyunyuzi Recheal – 1st Runner-Up and Kirungi Christine – 2nd Runner-Up
Southwestern Region Auditions
The auditions continued on 7th March 2025 in the Southwestern Region, hosted at the Ministry headquarters.
Christelle Kyatengerwa delivered remarks on behalf of the Victoria Water Management Zone (VWMZ), congratulating contestants for stepping forward and encouraging them to communicate confidently.
Victoria Kinobe Nakatudde again addressed participants, urging them to engage in youth-centered activities such as debates and public speaking sessions organized under the regional water and environment week.
Speaking on behalf of ATEI, Bismac Moses Amumpaire highlighted that the initiative initially focused on women because they are among the most affected by climate change impacts, while noting that plans are underway to include men and children in future editions.
Following the auditions, the judges selected the top contestants. The awards were presented by Mr. Stephen Emor, Team Leader of VWMZ, who encouraged the participants to seize the opportunities created through such engagements and to act as climate ambassadors within their communities.
The Southwestern Region winners were: Kirabo Patience Joyce – Winner, Asiimwe Nangongi Mary – 1st Runner-Up and Ahumuza Mukama Faith – 2nd Runner-Up
Northern Region Auditions
On 12th March 2026, the Northern Uganda auditions were successfully held at Margharita Hotel in Lira City as part of the Northern Uganda Water and Environment Week activities.
Opening remarks were delivered by the Chairperson of the Northern Uganda Water and Environment Week Organizing Committee, who thanked participants for attending and encouraged them to actively participate in other regional activities.
A representative from the National Organizing Committee Youth Subcommittee also addressed the contestants, highlighting the significance of Uganda Water and Environment Week 2026 and the important role young people play in addressing water and environmental challenges through youth-led initiatives.
During the event, ATEI representative Angela Namugumya outlined the organization’s ongoing activities and future plans, including the anticipated launch of Mr. and Miss Climate Change and Little Miss Climate Change categories.
The Team Leader of the Northern Uganda Water Management Zone also highlighted the three special Water and Environment Days and emphasized the role of sustainable environmental management in achieving Uganda’s ten-fold economic growth by 2040, the overarching theme of Uganda Water and Environment Week 2026.
After vetting nine contestants and evaluating their responses on climate challenges, advocacy plans, and community solutions, the judges selected the top three representatives: Queen Martha Akori – Miss Climate Change Awareness Northern Uganda 2026, Queen Adongo Linda (Kwania District) – 1st Runner-Up and Queen Akello Brenda (Kole District) – 2nd Runner-Up
Eastern Region Auditions
The Eastern Region auditions, held on 13th March, also featured strong messages from key leaders in the water and environment sector, emphasizing the importance of youth participation in climate action and environmental stewardship.
Delivering remarks during the event, Patrick Okotel, Zonal Manager for Water for Production in the Eastern Region, commended the Ministry of Water and Environment for spearheading the Miss Climate Change Awareness initiative.
He noted that the program plays a vital role in strengthening public sensitization on climate change and environmental protection, particularly among young people.
He emphasized that climate change awareness must start with communities and schools, where young people can influence attitudes and behaviors toward responsible environmental management.
He encouraged participants and members of the public to actively take part in the different activities scheduled for the week, noting that collective participation is key to building climate-resilient communities.
Also addressing the gathering was Maximo Twinomuhangi, Head of the Kyoga Water Management Zone, who underscored the importance of initiatives such as Miss Climate Change Awareness in amplifying the visibility of Uganda Water and Environment Week and strengthening public engagement around environmental issues.
Eng. Twinomuhangi encouraged contestants and attendees to continuously seek information about climate change, water resource management, and environmental conservation. According to him, knowledge and awareness are essential drivers of sustainable development and play a critical role in promoting socio-economic transformation in communities across the country.
Earlier in the program, opening remarks were delivered by Lillian, a representative of the Youth Subcommittee of the National Organizing Committee. She highlighted the crucial role that young people play in climate action and environmental advocacy.
The Eastern Region produced the following winners: Angella Mutesi (Namutumba) – Winner, Asege Violet Mary (Soroti) – 1st Runner-Up, Chebt Gloria (Kapchorwa) – 2nd Runner-Up
Central Region Auditions
In the Central Region auditions on 14th March, the Youth Subcommittee representative highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to empower young people as innovators, climate advocates and environmental stewards.
Following engaging pitches and strong climate solution presentations, the judges announced the winners:
Mirembe Winnie – Central Regional Queen
Namatovu Brenda Fancy – 1st Runner-Up
Cheruto Edith – 2nd Runner-Up
Preparing for the National Stage
The regional auditions collectively attracted over 30 participants per region, each demonstrating knowledge, passion and innovative ideas to address climate change challenges in their communities.
From each region, the top three contestants have advanced to the national stage, where they will participate in an intensive boot camp designed to equip them with essential skills in communication, personal branding, etiquette, modeling, climate advocacy etc
The program will culminate in the national crowning ceremony scheduled for 28th March, where the national Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda 2026 will be crowned.
