Hyderabad, India — Uganda’s Miss World representative, Natasha Nyonyozi, is turning heads at the 72nd Miss World pageant in India, not only for her grace and fashion-forward elegance but also for her powerful advocacy work for autism awareness across Africa.
Nyonyozi, who holds the Miss Uganda 2024–2025 crown and the title of Miss Photogenic 2024, has captivated international audiences with her poise, purpose, and deep commitment to social impact. As an accountant, entrepreneur, and autism advocate, she is redefining what it means to be a beauty queen on the global stage.
Fashion with Cultural Roots
During the Top Model Designer showcase, Nyonyozi wore a striking evening gown by Tanga Designs, which fused modern aesthetics with traditional elements from Southwestern Uganda and Rwanda.
The dress was complemented by an “Ibyanganga” headpiece, traditionally worn on the right side of the head to signify royalty and cultural pride.
“The gown pays homage to South Western Ugandan and Rwandan heritage with a modern silhouette,” Nyonyozi shared on social media, thanking her glam team and designers. “Telangana, where dreams are crowned,” she added about the host city in India.
For the Talent Night, Nyonyozi arrived in a sleek black gown by Santina Uganda, styled with elegant lace gloves, ready to cheer on her fellow contestants.
Championing Autism Awareness
Beyond the glitz, Nyonyozi is making waves with her heartfelt “Nyonyozi Autism Initiative,” a project inspired by her younger brother, who was diagnosed with autism at age two.
Growing up in a society where autism is often misunderstood and stigmatised, Nyonyozi became a fierce advocate for inclusion, education, and support.
“Where I come from, autism is not a conversation people want to have. It is often regarded as a curse or even witchcraft,” she said during a Miss World segment. “When my brother was diagnosed, people asked if we had sacrificed him for wealth. That’s the level of ignorance we are trying to fight.”
Through her initiative, Nyonyozi has collaborated with organisations such as Autism Society Uganda and hosted live social media sessions to raise awareness about autism as a developmental disorder, not a taboo.
She has also authored a book titled “Colours of the Spectrum,” a collection of heartfelt stories from parents raising children on the autism spectrum. The book aims to provide hope, courage, and a sense of community for families around the world.
“I named the initiative after my surname, which means ‘star’ in my language—because I want every child on the spectrum to know they are stars, too.”
A Multifaceted Queen
With a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Coventry University, Nyonyozi champions financial literacy for women, aiming for a world where every woman can be financially independent.
She also owns a beauty store in Kampala, using it as a platform to empower women to feel confident, both with and without makeup.
As her journey at Miss World 2025 continues, Uganda beams with pride. “I’m representing the Pearl of Africa,” she says. “Not just with beauty, but with a message that matters.”
In a competition where beauty meets purpose, Natasha Nyonyozi is proving that true elegance lies in advocacy, culture, and courage.
