South Western Region Picks Top Three Climate Champions for National Miss Climate Change Awareness Contest

Young environmental advocates from South Western Region gathered in Mbarara on 7th March 2026 for the regional auditions of Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda, an initiative aimed at empowering young women to champion climate action, environmental protection and sustainable development in their communities.

The auditions were hosted at the regional offices of the Ministry of Water and Environment as part of activities under Uganda Water and Environment Week 2026 (UWEWK), a national platform that brings together government institutions, development partners, civil society and young people to promote dialogue and action around environmental conservation, water resource management and climate resilience.

The pageantry organized by Africa Tourism and Environment Initiatives in partnership with the ministry of water and environment attracted a number of passionate young women from across the South Western Region who stepped forward to showcase their leadership, ideas and commitment to addressing environmental challenges affecting their communities.

Speaking during the opening session, Ms. Christelle Kyatengerwa, who represented the Victoria Water Management Zone (VWMZ), welcomed the contestants and congratulated them for taking the initiative to participate in the climate-focused platform.

She commended the young women for showing interest in environmental advocacy and encouraged them to communicate their ideas confidently.

Kyatengerwa noted that by participating in the auditions, the contestants had already taken an important step toward becoming advocates for environmental protection and climate awareness within their communities.

She further highlighted the different activities taking place under Uganda Water and Environment Week - South Western Region (UWEWK-SW) and emphasized the importance of youth engagement in addressing environmental challenges.

Also addressing the participants, Ms. Victoria Kinobe Nakatudde, speaking on behalf of the National Organizing Committee (NOC), emphasized the critical role of youth participation in environmental protection and climate action.

She highlighted the work of the Youth Sub-Committee in mobilizing and engaging young people in various activities organized during the regional celebrations.

She encouraged the contestants to take advantage of the opportunities presented through UWEWK-SW, urging them to actively participate in other engagements such as debates, public speaking sessions and community awareness activities organized throughout the week.

Kinobe also reminded the contestants that the platform should be viewed as an opportunity for growth and empowerment rather than simply a competition.

She encouraged them to believe in themselves and continue pursuing their ambitions even if the competition results did not go in their favor, noting that leadership and advocacy require resilience and confidence.

Providing further context on the initiative, Mr. Bismac Amumpaire, ED - Africa Tourism and Environment Initiatives (ATEI), explained the background and vision behind the Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda program.

Amumpaire noted that the initiative was established to amplify the voices of young women in environmental advocacy and climate action.

He pointed out that women are often among the most affected by the impacts of climate change, particularly in areas related to water access, food security and livelihoods.

He explained that the platform was created to empower young women to become climate ambassadors capable of influencing positive environmental practices within their communities. Amumpaire also revealed that the initiative is expected to expand in the future to involve the male gender and children.

During the auditions, contestants presented their perspectives on environmental issues and shared ideas on how communities can address climate change challenges.

The participants demonstrated their understanding of issues such as deforestation, water conservation, waste management and environmental sustainability while showcasing their communication skills and leadership potential.

Following a competitive selection process, the top three contestants were selected by the panel of judges to represent the South Western Region at the national stage of Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda.

The winners were officially awarded by the Team Leader of the Victoria Water Management Zone, Mr. Stephen Emor.

Emor in his remarks commended the contestants for demonstrating commitment to environmental advocacy and encouraged them to take full advantage of the platforms created by the Ministry of Water and Environment to empower young people.

He highlighted that initiatives under Uganda Water and Environment Week provide an important opportunity for youth to engage in meaningful conversations and actions around environmental protection and sustainable development.

Kirabo Patience Joyce emerged as the winner, taking the first position, followed by Asiimwe Nangongi Mary in second place, while Ahumuza Mukama Faith secured the third position.

Emor further urged the participants to embrace their roles as ambassadors of change within their schools and communities, noting that such engagements open doors to future opportunities in leadership, advocacy and environmental stewardship.

He encouraged the young women to use the knowledge and exposure gained from the platform to inspire others and contribute to building a generation that is more environmentally conscious and responsible.

The successful contestants will now advance to the national boot camp and grand finale of Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda, where regional representatives from across the country will converge to continue advocating for climate action, environmental awareness and sustainable resource management.