Saturday night saw a dawn of a new day on the scene of beauty and tolerance in Uganda; where young men and women living with HIV were given a cause to smile, regardless of the status quo. The Uganda Network of Youths Living With HIV (UNYPA), the organizer of the beauty peagant aimed at eradicating stigma against victims of HIV, gave this year’s edition the theme, “Hands Up for HIV prevention.”
Ever since the cold 80s when the HIV scourge was first discovered in Uganda, almost all Ugandans have become its victims in one way or another (at least by losing a family member or a friend to it). And in light of all that, the stigma that comes with contracting HIV burns a lot more than magma – leaving the victims with no hope of having a better life.
Through the beauty peagant that encompassed the Western, Eastern, Northern and Central Regions of Uganda, UNYPA focused at influencing beauty without discrimination and stigma. The young girls and boys were thus vying for the crowns of Mr. and Miss. Y+. Boot camps were held days before the grand finale, to evaluate all the contestants, right before the verdicts were given by an influential panel of judges. On the panel sat former Miss. Uganda, Phiona Bizzu, NBS TVs Mildred Tuhaise, Miss. Zaituni Nabateregga, Diana Amanyire, Musah Lumumba and Maurice Hassa of the “Kaleke Kasome” fame.
Contestants gave very touching testimonies of their lives, but 8 year old Courtney, who sings like a nightingale and was born with HIV, melted the guests’ hearts the most. Distinguished guests like Pastor Wilson Bugembe and Major Rubaramira Ruranga also had many a testimony to give.
“I lost both my parents and 3 brothers to HIV. Poverty killed them to be clear; we used to recycle one syringe to treat all of them. My brother even reached a point of being blown to the ground by the mere wind, and I wished God could take him.” Said Pastor Bugembe, with a voice filled with care.
Major Ruranga on the other hand, appealed to the youngsters that positive living is possible, giving them his own example.”I got infected at 40; I am a few months to 70. Let no one tell you you shouldn’t have kids because you’re HIV positive. As long as you take your drugs you’ll be happy.”
“Personally, I have been through the hardest of quack remedies for HIV, I was once ironed like a cloth by Japanese doctors – of course in vain.” the Army Major confided.
The amply talented songstress, Lydiah Jazmine entertained guests and also had a duet with the contestant Nyanzi Huzairu from Jinja, who was later on crowned Mr. Y+ 2017. 18 year old Nawanyanga Gloria was crowned the Miss.
Kudos UNYPA on executing an overwhelmingly successful and powerful initiative.
You must be logged in to post a comment.