Miss Uganda 2024 autism awareness efforts took center stage at the 72nd Miss World Festival as Natasha Nyonyozi used the global platform to advocate for children with autism. Representing Uganda in Hyderabad, India, Nyonyozi gave a powerful ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ speech, highlighting her personal journey and the challenges of autism in African communities.
A Personal Mission to Break Stigmas
With poise and courage, Natasha delivered a deeply moving speech about her younger brother Ethan, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two.
“I’m proud to be the first Ugandan to advocate for autism on the Miss World stage,” Nyonyozi said, her voice steady with conviction.
The diagnosis brought not only emotional hardship but also cultural backlash.
“We had people coming up to us asking if we sacrificed him or performed witchcraft on him,” she recounted.
This painful experience inspired Natasha to launch a foundation for children with special needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum, aiming to provide visibility and support for affected families across Uganda.
Autism Events in Uganda
During World Autism Awareness Month (April), Nyonyozi and her team organized Uganda’s first national Autism Awareness Run and a World Autism Walk, events that drew hundreds of participants, including parents, medical workers, and community leaders.
In partnership with the Autism Society Uganda (ASU), the events marked a cultural shift in how Uganda addresses autism.
“These events were statements of inclusion,” Natasha emphasized. “I wanted these children to feel like they, too, are stars.”
Standing Ovation on the Global Stage
Speaking before an international audience at Miss World 2025, Natasha emphasized that autism is not just a Ugandan issue.
“It’s a world problem,” she said. “75 million people are diagnosed with autism globally.”
Her brave testimony earned her a standing ovation, with many attendees admitting they had never heard autism discussed so directly in a global beauty competition.
Recognition from Autism Advocates
Dorothy Nambi, managing director of the Autism Society Uganda, praised Nyonyozi’s impact:
“She has done in a few months what some of us have tried to do for years,” Nambi noted. “By sharing her story and putting a human face to autism, she has broken a national silence.”
Despite rising autism cases in Uganda—estimated at over 700,000 children—diagnosis and treatment remain difficult due to limited resources, awareness, and trained professionals.
Changing the Narrative on Autism
Natasha Nyonyozi’s participation in Miss World has done more than just showcase beauty—it has brought attention to a critical healthcare and social issue in Uganda and beyond.
“This platform is my voice for the voiceless. Autism is not a curse; it’s a condition that needs understanding, love, and inclusion,” she said.
With the 72nd Miss World Festival underway, Natasha’s story continues to resonate, offering hope, visibility, and a call to action for families and policymakers alike.