Meet Sandra Namirembe, Uganda’s First Ever Miss Climate Change Awareness

Sandra Namirembe was crowned the first-ever Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda on March 8, 2025—a significant day as it coincided with International Women’s Day.

The crowning took place at a high-level ceremony organized by Africa Tourism and Environment Initiatives (ATEI) at the National Theatre, celebrating young women taking center stage in the climate resilience movement.

I caught up with Sandra for an in-depth conversation, unearthing the story behind the crown, her personal journey, and her bold vision for climate action in Uganda and beyond.

Seated at a modest venue in Kampala, Sandra’s warm laughter and unguarded honesty set the tone for an interview that revealed not just a titleholder, but a woman of grit, faith, and unstoppable purpose.

Who is Sandra Namirembe?

Sandra describes herself as a multifaceted woman of strong Christian faith, resilience, and unshakable vision.

“My name is Sandra Namirembe. I am 27 years old. I am the newly crowned Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda 2025/2026."

"I'm also a beVisioneer Fellow for this year, a program organized by Mercedes Benz given to young environmentalists and climate advocates around the world"

Beyond the titles, Sandra is a powerhouse of lesser-known talents: she is a competitive swimmer, a passionate traveler, a seasoned dancer, and a relentless advocate for women and inclusion.

Qn. Sandra Namirembe (Centre) together with other queens showcasing their dance moves

She represented Uganda in swimming competitions at university and secondary school levels.

“Traveling gives me relief. I invest in it; it’s something I look forward to every year,” she said.
“I also feel called to empower women and the marginalized, to me It's a divine calling.”

She pursued her early education at Makindye Junior School, completed her O’Level at Seeta High School, and her A’Level at St. Mary's Kitende, earning a government scholarship, she studied International Business at Makerere University Business School.
However, it was during and after this academic journey that Sandra began to find herself called elsewhere.

Her Wake-Up Call

In October 2023, while commuting to work via the infamous flood-prone Kinawataka Road, Sandra experienced firsthand the devastating effects of poor drainage and environmental mismanagement.

“The floods were so bad. There was a jam; people were being carried across flooded areas for a fee to avoid drowning. I slipped and fell into the water. Someone managed to grab me before I could hurt myself, but that experience shook me,” she recalled.

Deeply disturbed, Sandra went home that day awakened. She researched extensively about flooding, drainage, and climate change and realized that environmental degradation was at the core of the problem.

"I knew then that I had to be part of the solution." She asserts.

Mentorship, First Steps, and COP

Inspired by friends already active in climate advocacy, such as Edwin Namakanga, she began attending conferences, volunteering for community outreach, and networking with like-minded individuals.

“Edwin invited me to my first climate conference. That’s where I started building networks and understanding the urgency of the crisis we face,” she said.

Her journey coincided with preparations for COP28 (the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference), which further broadened her perspective and commitment.

Despite being a newcomer with just one month of experience, Sandra self-funded her trip to COP28, working collectively with friends to pool resources.

"I didn't know much, but I was willing to learn," she says.

At COP28, she focused her energy on networking, absorbing knowledge, and finding her niche.
"It was overwhelming, fashion pavilions, food systems, energy — but I realized I cared most about inclusion," she says.

Women, children, and disabled persons are among the groups most impacted by climate crises but often least represented at decision-making tables. Sandra's mission crystallized: climate justice must be inclusive.

Sandra Namirembe representing at COP 28 in Dubai

Finding Her Voice Through Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda

Sandra sought a platform to amplify her voice. She found it when a flyer for the inaugural Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda contest was shared in one of her WhatsApp group.

"I feared failure," she admits. "But I also knew I had to try."

Treating it with the seriousness of a job interview, she submitted her application early and attended auditions fully prepared.

Sandra recalls the nerve-wracking but exciting audition process, arriving early, standing tall, and presenting her vision. Following auditions, she advanced to bootcamp, where contestants received intensive training in climate advocacy, communication, leadership, and personal development.

"It was tough but fulfilling," Sandra says.

Crowning Glory and a New Responsibility

When Sandra was finally crowned by ATEI as the first-ever Miss Climate Change Awareness Uganda, it was more than a personal triumph.

"It was a confirmation that this is the path I should be on," she says.

But she is keenly aware that the title comes with responsibility:
"I want to use this platform to advocate for the environment and also push for greater inclusion of women, children, and disabled persons in climate leadership."

"I don't want to be a ceremonial queen, I am here to spark action - real action. I want the young girl in a remote village to know she has a stake in fighting climate change. I want the boy who thinks climate talk is ‘just for elites’ to realize it affects whether he eats tomorrow."

She is currently setting up initiatives aimed at increasing climate literacy in marginalized communities and lobbying for gender-responsive climate policies.

Dreams Beyond Borders

Sandra’s dreams stretch far beyond Uganda’s borders. She envisions leading regional climate initiatives, influencing international policy, and inspiring a generation of African youth to take ownership of their environmental future.

"I believe that purpose is bigger than fear, and when you answer your calling, the world makes room for you." She notes.

Even now, as a crowned queen, Sandra admits the journey is not without challenges. Being a young woman in environmental advocacy often invites stereotypes.

"People often think we are just about photo shoots and beauty. But I keep reminding them, activism has many faces. Beauty and brains can exist in the same body."

She adds that; "Our climate messages must leave boardrooms and reach boda-boda riders, salon owners, market vendors, and school children,"

She credits her mother as the foundational pillar, "I am glad to have a present mother, she has always been my biggest supporter."