Girl champion awards launched to celebrate young girls driving change

28 April 2026, 4:34 pm

Byamukama Alozious

The Girl Champion Awards (GCA) have been launched in Uganda to recognize and celebrate outstanding girls and young women who are driving positive change in their communities. The launch, held at the Uganda Media Centre, highlighted inspiring stories of resilience, innovation and leadership, with organisers noting that nominations will be conducted online to widen access and participation across the country.

Representing the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, the Commissioner for Children, Mondo Kyateeka, described the initiative as a national campaign that will climax in October, emphasizing its competitive nature and its goal of empowering girls across different sectors. “This is a national campaign that will climax in October, and it is highly competitive, aimed at empowering young girls driving change in their communities,” he said.

Maggie Kigozi, who serves as the patron of the Girl Champion Awards, said the initiative goes beyond recognition by equipping beneficiaries with practical skills to thrive. “Awardees will be equipped with life skills and business training to help unlock their potential and turn ideas into sustainable ventures,” she said.

The awards feature a wide range of categories, including Girl Champion of the Year, Girl Earth Award, Survivor Advocate Award, Girl Education Award, Unique Abilities Award, SRHR Girl Champion Award, Girl Innovation Award and SDG Champion Award, among others, all aimed at expanding opportunities for girls across different sectors.

Recent winners continue to reflect the growing impact of the initiative, with Atim Caroline recognized under the Girl Earth Award for her efforts in environmental conservation, and Achom Nowel Gift winning the Girl Unique Abilities Award. Nowel is currently pursuing a degree in Social Sciences at Makerere University, building on her advocacy and personal growth while Atim is at Makerere university business school attributed to recognitions

The initiative is supported by organisations including the Kaleke Kasome Foundation, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and AHF Uganda Cares, among others, with partners committing to strengthen efforts that uplift the talent and potential of young girls across Uganda.