By Our Reporter
Nawanyanga Gloria and Nyanzi Huzairu emerged the ultimate winners in the Y+ Beauty pageant, which is geared towards ending stigma and discrimination of young people living with HIV/AIDS.
They were announced at a ceremony held on Saturday evening at Hotel Africana where Nawanyanga Gloria from Kampala was crowned Miss Y+ while Nyanzi Huzairu from Jinja was crowned Mr Y+, each walking away with a full year scholarship by Uganda Network of Young People Living with HIV & AIDS (UNYPA).
Meanwhile, Osuru Samantha from Arua and Kyobutungi Bonitah from Kampala were first and second runners-up for Miss Y+ respectively. On the other hand, Lubangakene Godfrey from Kampala was first runner-up and Katuma Kizito from Luweero was second runner-up for Mr Y+.
The winners were selected after impressing a panel of judges with their different showcases that included fashion and talent.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Evelyn Chemti, a representative from the Ministry of Health commended UNYPA for the initiative that encourages young people to meaningfully participate in the struggle against HIV/AIDS and also reaffirmed government’s commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“As government, we are committed to ensuring that we implement interventions, in partnership with different stakeholders, to make sure that young people who are HIV negative remain negative while those who are HIV positive are provided with the care and support they need to be able to live a healthy life and reach their full potential.” She stated.
This year’s edition was held under the theme, “Hands Up for HIV Prevention”.
