Natasha Nyonyozi’s beauty goes beyond what meets the eye as she doubles efforts to advocate for autism awareness and social inclusion in Uganda.
As reigning Miss Uganda 2024/2025, the 23-year-old’s, Beauty with a Purpose project The Nyonyozi Initiative serves to promote greater understanding and acceptance of autism.
According to Nyonyozi, her added experience with an autism patient inspired her to carry on a legacy become an autism advocate and accountant dedicated to inclusion, empowerment, and equity
“Inspired by my brother Ethan, who was diagnosed with autism at two, I founded the Nyonyozi Initiative to break barriers for individuals with special needs,” Nyonyozi said.
According to her, in Uganda where autism affects about 0.68% of children, cultural misconceptions often label it a curse leaving many undiagnosed, abandoned or even worse killed.
Globally, about 1 in 100 children has autism but in Africa with limited awareness and resources, many go undiagnosed or unsupported.
However, such events like the autism walk and run to raise awareness and visibility for autism in Uganda, she says promotes a culture of inclusion and acceptance which are all buried in misconceptions about autism.
“I have collaborated with organizations such as Autism Society Uganda, Open Friends Centre for Special Needs, and Tender Tots Inclusion Uganda to support children with special needs and their families,” Nyonyozi stated.
In addition to rallying support, the beauty queen has donated food and construction materials to therapy rooms, providing essential resources for children with autism.
She is currently writing a book, Colours of the Spectrum featuring stories from parents and experts in the field of autism, aiming to share valuable insights and experiences.
As Miss Uganda 2024, Nyonyozi is representing Uganda at the 72nd edition of Miss World in Telangana, India, where she will bring attention to the importance of autism awareness and inclusion on a global stage.
Her dedication to autism advocacy is truly inspiring, and her efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of children with special needs and their families.
