Judith Heard, a proud Ugandan-born model, social change champion, and most recently, crowned Miss Environment International Africa, touched down at Entebbe International airport from Mumbai, India, where she represented Uganda at the first-ever themed pageant, Beauty Starts with Environmental Care. The finale was held on April 2, 2022, at the CIDCO Exhibition & Convention Centre.
This fierce competition united various continents, traditions, and ethnicities with a prime objective: – environmental conservation. Other countries’ representatives included South Sudan, Peru, the United Kingdom, Seychelles, Mauritius, Greece, Bolivia, Reunion Island, Columbia, India, Philippines, Nigeria, Rodrigues Island, France, Cyprus, and Belgium.
Judith, who was clad in a suit and Ugandan flag, arrived to a mammoth crowd of her fans, Tooro Kingdom Cultural Dancers, family, and relatives parading outside the terminal building as others scrambled to take pictures with the supermodel.
She was driven VIP style to Kampala Serena Conference center to address the press where she remarked,
“I am thrilled by the warm welcome. I am advocating for a patriarchal society aimed at protecting the heritage of the backcloth. It is unique and grown in Uganda. Not forgetting its craftsmanship, quality, rarity, and storytelling that comes with it.
The bark tree transforms into fashion. It is environmentally friendly and sustainable including fabric properties and apparel development.”
Uganda barkcloth has been recognized by United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a masterpiece of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity to protect the knowledge, traditions, and live hoods associated with its production.
“On April 22 2022, will mark The Earth Day-themed Let’s Invest in Our Planet. For instance, a single Mutuba tree lasts for many, many years and we don’t focus on its production. Other tree species are being cut day and night. I am spearheading the planting of backcloth trees for eco-fashion and environmental security for today and future generations,’’ she said.
Incapacity as Miss Environment Uganda, Judith encourages the government, ministry of environment and water, politicians, religious leaders, and individual capacities to join and support her to launch the backcloth tree planting project.
“Together can take urgent action toward environmental justice, sustainable development, and climate investment solutions,” she said.
