Kiteezi art piece by Makerere student wins UN competition

She has a strong passion for environmental conservation and is actively developing her skills in geospatial technology, which greatly influences her artistic endeavours.

Her winning artwork, titled "Chords of Hope," is inspired by the tragic collapse of the Kitezi landfill in Uganda.

The piece symbolises the ignorance surrounding waste management and underscores the need for education as a vital tool in building resilience against such disasters.

Racheal’s deep interest in Uganda’s diverse landscapes and her commitment to preserving the country’s ecological heritage were central themes in her artwork.

Her unique perspective, blending art with the urgent need for better waste management, resonated with the competition's theme, 'Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future.'

The Kiteezi landfilll collapsed following a heavy downpour pulse uganda

In recognition of her outstanding work, Racheal has been invited to attend the 9th Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (AfRP-9) in Windhoek, Namibia, from October 21-24, 2024.

Sponsored by the UNDRR, this prestigious event will allow her to showcase "Chords of Hope" to a wider audience and engage with key stakeholders in disaster risk reduction.

The conference will also provide her with an opportunity to witness critical discussions on the progress of the Sendai Framework in Africa, an international agenda for reducing disaster risks.

The 2024 DRR Art Competition, held in celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, attracted over 250 entries from across the continent.

The overwhelming response underscores the importance of youth engagement in shaping a sustainable and resilient future. Racheal’s win serves as a testament to the power of creativity in addressing global challenges and the role of young people in driving positive change.