Top Model Uganda Winner Sharon Kiyemba being crowned by one of the judges. Right is Marvin Ngobi.
The search for Uganda’s Top Model came to a close at the weekend in a grand finale at Mestil Hotel, Nsambya in Kampala, with Sharon Kiyemba, an18-year-old senior six vacist and Marvin Innocent Ngobi, a professional model and actor, crowned winners.
The two models beat 20 other contestants to walk away with the grand prize that will see Kiyemba represent Uganda at Top Model UK later in the year.
Upon the announcement, Ngobi said he was excited and delighted by this surprise win.
“This win was unexpected for me but it also gave meaning to the hustling I have done over the years to get here. I feel like I am setting the pace for many young models to come,” he explained.
The show that kicked off with more than 200 auditions, crowned their final winner with a ceremony that included showcases by Ugandan designers who were partners of the event. Among them was Jonjo Fashions, The Looks Uganda, Bliss, Anilas, Ritah Crotchets and Msh Designs.
“I feel so happy because I never believed that I would be representing my country worldwide in the UK. I want to thank Top Model Uganda for the great opportunity they have given me as a girl child and for believing in me. I can promise that I will raise the Ugandan flag high,” Kiyemba said.
She added that not every girl at her age had this chance: “I feel like it is a dream but the fact that this is happening to me is a great honour. I want to thank the CEO of Top Model Uganda, for the hard work she has put in to put Uganda on the world map.”
Kiyemba is slated to travel to the UK in September 2023 to represent Uganda at the global pageant of Top Model.
This follows a preliminary event that took place in October last year, which saw 20 models selected as finalists for the competition.
issejjombwe@ug.nationmedia.com