There will be contestants from 18 counties of Buganda participating in the pageant.
In a celebration of culture, beauty and heritage, Buganda Kingdom through the Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board (BHTB) launched the highly anticipated iss Tourism Buganda Kingdom 2024 last Friday evening at Bulange, Mengo.
Set against the backdrop of one of Uganda’s most culturally-rich regions, the event seeks to celebrate the beauty, highlight the unique attractions, traditions and customs that make Buganda a tourism destination.
The event, labelled the Kaynela Edition, is named after Kaynela Farms Ltd, a farming and agro tourism project in Kayunga District that has contributed more than Shs60m to this year’s campaign.
The Kaynela Edition aims to highlight the link between tourism and agriculture in Buganda, as well as promote notable landmarks and attractions within the kingdom.
At the launch of the campaign, Omukungu Albert Kasozi, the executive director of BHTB, said the 2024 edition aims to assert tourism as one of the five pillars of Buganda’s economic development. He adds that the pageant seeks to encourage people to embrace their culture and explore the sites in their Masazza (counties).
The grand prize for Miss Tourism Buganda Kngdom. Photos/Isaac Ssejjombwe
“Our focus in this year’s pageant is to bring together stakeholders and partners in a bid to shape their mindsets and encourage them to get involved in our tourism product development.”
The vice chairperson of the pageant’s organising committee, Shifah Musisi, says contestants from 18 counties of Buganda will participate in the pageant, showcasing not only their physical beauty, skills and talents but also their knowledge of Buganda’s heritage and tourist attractions.
“Registration is ongoing at the various Masaza headquarters. Each county will assess the girls in their respective boot camps based on the official guidelines and present three representatives to the kingdom bootcamp to compete for the ultimate title of Miss Tourism Buganda Kingdom 2024.”
The Kaynela Edition will culminate in a grand finale on May 31, where the winner will receive a brand new car among other prizes.