Miss Pader beauty pageant promotes mental health awareness in Pader

31 August 2025, 13:59

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

The Miss Pader Beauty Pageant successfully concluded a two-day mental health awareness campaign, bringing together hundreds of community members at the Pader Mayor’s Garden.

This year’s event, themed “Don’t suffer in silence: a call away for a healthy mind,” aimed to promote mental health, youth engagement, and cultural preservation.

Unlike traditional pageants, the event combined sports, culture, and wellness. A sports gala engaged young people in friendly competitions, fostering teamwork and healthy living.

At the same time, a food-cooking competition showcased traditional Acholi dishes while emphasising the link between nutrition and mental well-being.

The cooking contest was the first of its kind in Pader since it became a district.

The weekend culminated in a glittering crowning ceremony, celebrating not only beauty but also community empowerment and awareness.

Lakareber Gladys Kasline, Managing Director of Miss Pader, noted that the campaign addressed critical gaps in local health services.

“Pader lacks a general hospital, and the only facility in the sub region handling mental health is Gulu Regional Referral Hospital,” she said. “We wanted every young person, elder, and community member to feel able to open up about mental health challenges and access support from the professionals we brought in.”

Dr Fortunate Nyakahuma, Public Health Officer with the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), highlighted the importance of mental health for overall well-being.

He explained that mental health affects how people think, behave, and cope with life. Dr Nyakahuma outlined warning signs such as prolonged sadness, mood changes, withdrawal from social interactions, changes in sleep or appetite, and thoughts of self-harm, stressing that timely support is essential.

He also identified causes including chronic illness, substance abuse, stressful life events, stigma, and social isolation.

The doctor encouraged everyone to talk about their feelings, maintain healthy routines, and seek professional help when needed.

The campaign was made possible through partnerships and sponsorships from Fayicrasa, DFCU Bank, Perfect View Hotel, Rapa FM, Luo FM, the Border Association, Alikin Hotel, and Achen Food Bank, which provided financial, logistical, and technical support.

Hope Ojera Oroma, Public Relations Officer of Alikin Hotel, emphasised the collaboration with Achen Food Bank Limited in hosting the cooking competition, demonstrating how good nutrition supports mental well-being.

Achen Food Bank also contributes to food security in Northern Uganda, providing loans, agricultural inputs, and psychosocial support to vulnerable groups.

Organisers aim to make the mental health awareness campaign an annual event, despite limited resources, to continue promoting youth participation, cultural pride, and mental health education.

“We may not have all the resources, but we have the will to support our community,” Hope said.

The campaign drew an impressive turnout and engagement, giving residents opportunities to socialise, learn, and participate in activities new to Pader.

The event highlighted the importance of community-led initiatives in addressing critical social and health issues, leaving a lasting impact on participants and organisers alike.

As Pader takes steps to embrace mental health awareness alongside cultural preservation and youth empowerment, the Miss Pader Beauty Pageant stands as a beacon of community resilience and hope.