Miss Universe Uganda Contestant Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio Launches Anti-Bullying Mentorship Campaign in Lango Schools

LIRA, UGANDA – As the countdown to the Miss Universe Uganda 2026 coronation continues, contestant Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio is using her platform to tackle a pervasive issue affecting young people across the nation: bullying.

On Tuesday, July 15, 2026, the 19-year-old from Kole District officially launched a school mentorship outreach under the theme "Mentorship youth Ending bullying, Unlocking purpose" . The initiative, operating through the Kimberly Jael Aremo Initiative, reached learners in four schools across Lira City and Kole District. The beneficiary institutions included St Kizito Nursery and Primary School, St Katherine Secondary School, St Paul Primary School, and Abeli Secondary School.

Aremo Acio's campaign goes beyond typical pageant advocacy. At the heart of her message is a deeply personal story of resilience. During the school visits, she shared her own experience of being a victim of bullying between the ages of 10 and 13—an ordeal she says severely affected her self-esteem before she found the confidence to overcome it .

"I was bullied, but I refused to let it define my future," Aremo Acio told students, challenging them to reject bullying in schools and create environments where every learner feels safe, respected, and encouraged to pursue their dreams .

The initiative aligns with the core mission Aremo Acio has embraced since entering the pageant. According to an interview with Sanyu FM, the young woman—who finished high school as a valedictorian with aspirations to study biomedical engineering—was drawn to Miss Universe specifically for its development and advocacy platform . "Every young person carries fire within them. Mentorship is simply someone lighting that match," she said .

Cultural Leaders Offer Blessings and Support

Aremo Acio's campaign received significant backing from traditional and religious leaders in the Lango sub-region. Top Lango Cultural Leaders and Bishop Alfred Olwa received the contestant at the Lango Cultural Centre, where they offered prayers and blessings as she continues her contest with passion and determination .

The leaders also expressed appreciation for Aremo Acio's parents for allowing their daughter to receive the traditional blessings. Her roots in Kole District, Northern Region, have become a source of pride for the Lango community, and she has embraced her identity, noting that she wants to be a "depiction of Uganda's energy" and the vibrant face of the region .

A Journey of Transformation and Purpose

The contestant has described her journey to the pageant stage as transformative. A self-described "group person" who once avoided individual competitions, she deliberately chose the "biggest stage, which is Miss Universe Uganda," to challenge herself . She credits the bullying she endured with fueling her drive: "If it wasn't for the fact that I was bullied, I know I wouldn't have been here today," she recalled .

Aremo Acio draws inspiration from Ugandan lawyer and activist Miria Matembe, whom she admires for her fearless honesty and ability to command attention . Her ultimate goal is to make young people feel seen and to use her platform to encourage investment in youth development .

As one of 25 contestants vying for the first-ever Miss Universe Uganda crown in August 2026, Aremo Acio is positioning herself as a candidate with a clear mission . Her anti-bullying campaign in Lango schools marks a significant step in that journey, demonstrating that the impact of a crown can extend far beyond the stage.