It was all jubilation as Juliet Tino and Henry Yabira (students from Kampala University’s Masaka and Ggaba campuses respectively), hugged each other on Sunday night after being crowned the university’s new Miss and Mr Culture.
“I have been practicing hard,” said a jubilant Tino, “I spent Shs360,000 to foot the bills of my attires but I thank God because I’ve won.”
“It’s a dream come true for me,” echoed Yabira.
The two winners shared the prize money of €100 US dollars courtesy of the university’s Vice chancellor, Professor Badru Kateregga.
The winners were picked after a flamboyant cultural gala at the Masaka Campus which to many was the best cultural gala held at the campus.
PHOTOS BY BRIAN MUGENYI
It saw almost 2000 students in attendance from all the five campuses; Ggaba, Luweero, Masaka, Mutundwe and Jinja that make up Kampala University.
Students showcased prowess in cultural dances, folk songs, cultural wear and delivering original music compositions. Later in the night, a modelling showcase was held which attracted even those who had been watching from the sidelines.
Considering this year’s theme: Our Culture, Our Identity – What went wrong?” students showcased talents in cultural wear but surprisingly male students were more creative than their female counterparts.
The male students showcased their creativity with outfits made from egg shells, banana fiber, and sacks. Their argument was that it’s better to wear these pieces instead of dumping them in gardens which degrades the environment.
Foreign students gave the gala that continental appeal when they represented their countries in the competitions. Countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Somalia and Nigeria were seen in different cultural dances and outfits.