Busoga beauty queens have vowed to carry forward former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga’s legacy of supporting vulnerable children, empowering girls to claim their spaces, and ensuring they enroll and complete school.
Former Miss Tourism 2017, Rebecca Alitwala Mubezi—now CEO of Becky’s Child Foundation—and Miss Tourism Busoga 2023/24, Rashidah Nabiryo, credit Kadaga for mentoring and inspiring them to prioritise social empowerment and embrace the spirit of giving back.
Speaking at a Becky’s Child Foundation event at the Kamuli District headquarters, where wheelchairs, blankets, nutritional packages, and other humanitarian aid were distributed to children with hydrocephalus and physical disabilities, Nabiryo recalled Kadaga’s counsel on using their platforms to serve others.
“We always witnessed Mama—then we called her Aunt Kadaga—giving attention, honour, and priority to people with albinism, disabled persons, and young girls. When she crowned us as Busoga beauty queens, we were anointed and initiated into her legacy, and Becky’s Child Foundation is a testimony to that,” Nabiryo said.
She noted that without Kadaga’s support, many girls would have dropped out of school, been forced into early marriages, or lost hope for a better future.
Through scholarships, parliamentary petitions, and advocacy forums such as the Busoga Tourism Beauty Queens platform, Kadaga created opportunities that the foundation is committed to sustaining.
Kamuli District leaders commended Becky’s Child Foundation for its dedication to children’s health and girls’ empowerment. They contrasted its transparent and accountable operations with NGOs that arrive with promises but later exploit communities or operate in secrecy.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the way Becky’s Child Foundation is working—it is reaching out to the truly vulnerable, complementing government efforts, and acting swiftly where help is needed,” said Mitala Moses, the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Adonia Mafumu, who handed over the humanitarian assistance, noted that the support was timely, particularly with the onset of the rainy season and high malnutrition levels among children.
“On behalf of the government, we congratulate this organisation for focusing on public welfare, affirmative action, and bringing smiles and hope to the marginalised. They are ensuring resources reach those who need them most,” Mafumu said.
Monica Innhesiko, a board member of Becky’s Child Foundation, called for greater compassion and empathy to improve the lives of the vulnerable.
“We at Becky’s Child Foundation believe in sharing what little we have and reaching out with love and care. Nothing is more comforting than knowing that someone out there cares for you,” she said, urging caregivers to now ensure that children with mobility aids regularly attend school.
