Natasha Nyonyozi, Miss Uganda 2024/2025, has been awarded the Beauty With A Purpose Overall Winner for Africa at the Miss World 2025 competition held in Telangana, India. Her project, The Nyonyozi Initiative, which advocates for children with autism and promotes broader social inclusion, was recognised among the most impactful humanitarian efforts on the global stage.
Inspired by her younger brother Ethan, who is on the autism spectrum, Natasha’s initiative focuses on creating awareness and challenging the stigma surrounding autism in Uganda.
“I feel very honoured and grateful to God, my family, friends, my entire support system. This is not just an award for me, but it is dedicated to my little brother Ethan and every family that has a special needs child,” she said.
Beyond her advocacy work, Natasha is also the author of Colours of the Spectrum, a book that sheds light on the experiences of children living with autism and their families.
The book aims to educate communities and foster empathy, further advancing her mission to increase understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in Uganda.
The 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant featured 108 contestants from countries and territories around the world.
These contestants competed not only for the crown but also showcased talent and rojects under the “Beauty With A Purpose” campaign, a central pillar of the Miss World organisation.
Natasha expressed her joy, saying, “I'm overwhelmed with gratitude and joy! This award isn't just a recognition of my efforts, but a testament to the impact we can create when we work together towards a common goal.”
Alongside Natasha, three other contestants were recognised as Beauty With A Purpose Overall Winners representing different continents and all secured places in the highly competitive Top 40 semifinalists.
Valeria Pérez from Puerto Rico, Monica Kezia Sembiring from Indonesia and Millie-Mae Adams from Wales.
Natasha’s heartfelt reaction on social media highlighted the emotional weight of her win. “God truly outdid Himself with this one! I’m so grateful to miss world for recognising my project nyonyozinitiative and giving me the opportunity to advocate for autism awareness on the world stage. I dedicate this award to my beloved brother Ethan and every individual on the spectrum the real heroes who show up every day.”
The Miss Uganda Foundation hailed Natasha’s achievement as a triumph not only for her but for the entire country. They applauded her for breaking barriers and changing narratives about neurodiversity in Uganda.
Despite ongoing challenges many families face in finding support for children with special needs due to stigma, misinformation, and limited services, Natasha’s project is viewed as a turning point in promoting inclusive education and health services.
Her global recognition sets a new benchmark for beauty queens using their platforms for advocacy and change, proving once again that Beauty With A Purpose is more than just a slogan it is a powerful movement