Some of the contestants during auditions. courtesy photo
Beauty with a purpose: It is that time when the ‘beauty with purpose’ line gets used in its real sense. The event that takes place in Jinja in August will see the winner choose a charity group in their area to be helped. GILLIAN NANTUME writes.
The first ever charitable pageant in Uganda will be held in the eastern town of Jinja. The pageant, dubbed Jewel of the Nile, is different from others in that the contestants are Ugandans based in the diaspora.
Nancy Kitaka Mugga, the organiser of the event through her Nancy Mugga Charity, says the only condition for the contestants is that they should be in Uganda one month before the event.
“I realised that there is a gap in society for individuals in the diaspora to be given the opportunity to participate in events in their home countries. We came up with this charitable pageant to, among other things, instill a spirit of giving in the younger generation.”
Proceeds from the event will be given to the Ganda Foundation and any other charities that the contestants wish to contribute to.
An official auditioning to screen contestants was held on April 18 in Nakasero, Kampala, where more than 100 girls turned up.
“For diversity, a panel of judges presided over the auditioning,” Mugga says, adding, “The panel included Paul Mugga, director Nancy Mugga Charity; Jackie Kasigwa, manager Jewel of The Nile; Phiona Bizhu, former Miss Uganda; and Mr. Jorame Muziira. The girls were judged on how they perceived and understood the concept of charity.”
Twenty girls made it to the final stage. However, they are yet to be judged depending on how they behave and respond to the pageant demands, which include, carrying out a hands-on community activity and raising money for a charity of choice in their home area.
The money raised by the contestant will be given to the charity representatives at the grand finale on August 20. The respective contestant will have the opportunity to be part of the fund-cause as they are put to use. Other criteria of competition during the grand finale will be in the areas of creative wear, talent, charity appeal and the Jewel composure.
On July 14, at a secret location, the finalists for the pageant will be unveiled to the media. At the same event, the winner’s prize will also be unveiled. The audience will be strictly by invite and the unveiling is sponsored by LaTer Intimates.
The grand finale of the pageant is sponsored by Ethiopian Airlines, Salabed, LaTer Intimates, UNNA Causes, Uganda convention UK, Pier 1 UK, Mystique UK, Twegaitte Minnesota, and Vasana Services and Ministry of Tourism, Busoga.
About Nancy Mugga
A Ugandan based in United Kingdom (UK), Mugga is CEO, Alive Group, a HIV/Aids awareness charity. She was honoured with the Humanitarian Achiever’s Award in 2015 at an event held in Geneva, Switzerland. The award was given to Mugga in recognition of her work in the Ugandan community in the UK, which includes organising the World Aids Day celebrations which she has been organising singlehandedly since 2011.
Mugga also doubles an event hostess and television host and has worked with Uganda Professional and Enterprise Forum, Face of Kenya Universe, and Grajoh events. Her recent high profile event was hosting an event in the House of Commons, UK, during the International Women’s Day celebrations 2016.
She also volunteers with Ganda Foundation, Positive East and AWECS women’s project.