Meet Caitlin Ochana, the reigning Miss Uganda UK, our Woman Crush Wednesday. The 18-year-old beauty was crowned last year during the pageant’s 9th event, which held in south London at Ark Globe Academy. Ochana talks to us about what has changed since she got this coveted title.
Who is Caitlin Ochana?
I am an outspoken, intelligent individual who is not afraid of speaking up for myself or for others around me. There’s also a fun side to me that everyone sees when they first meet me. I am a very sociable person and I like to put smiles on peoples faces. That’s who I am!
Why did you contest for Miss Uganda UK?
For me, I chose to enter Miss Uganda UK to further educate myself on our culture within the youth. I am from West London, and there isn’t many peers around my age group who are from Uganda; by joining, I opened up this opportunity for me to get to know my people better.
What are some of the causes you have championed during your reign?
As Queen I have the honour of campaigning against child sacrifice in Uganda and further raising awareness on this issue to young people. I didn’t know the severity of child sacrifice in Uganda until I joined this network so it has allowed me to learn more about it and spread awareness here in the UK and in Uganda. My personal cause is trying to push girls in Uganda to join sports and educating them on the importance of sports and exercise and how it can impact them physically, mentally and socially. Sports has definitely helped me throughout the years and I want girls to feel what I feel when I exercise and keep actively fit. I am also a Champion Campaigner for save the children; this role consists of reaching out to your local MPs about issues we feel as a community should be pushed to parliament so we can make active change.
What are your future aspects?
From when I was a child I was socially aware of things that I would stand up for; over the years as that passion developed I found that Law is a field I would want to study and work in. For me becoming a lawyer would mean I can use my voice to make sure someone or a community is heard. I would definitely want to get into social policy as well but who knows!
How has Miss Uganda UK impacted you?
Miss Uganda UK has positively impacted me. It has given me a platform to do things that I wouldn’t have done to the best of my ability if I didn’t come across them. With the friends that I have made when I was going on this journey, it has made me so proud to be a Ugandan. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Follow Ochana here
satisfashionug@gmail.com
