Kisha Namale, a flight attendant, said the competition required reading and researching extensively about the culture. Photo | Isaac Ssejjombwe
Kisha Ruth Namale from Kyadondo is now the owner of a Toyota Ractis among other prizes after being crowned Miss Buganda Tourism last weekend at a colourful grand finale that took place at Hotel Africana.
The 22-year-old beat 27 other competitors to the top prize with Miriam Zalwango from Buddu emerging First Runner-Up, while Bugerere’s Ruth Mitchell Bisoboka managed third place.
Speaking about her win, Namale who is also a professional flight attendant at DAS Aviation School said the competition was tight and it is by the grace of God that she made it.
“Taking part in beauty contests is not about your appearance but how knowledgeable you are. You have to read and do extensive research because the competition comprises of several tasks which can contribute to the development of Buganda Kingdom and the entire tourism board,” she said.
She added that taking part in such initiatives does not focus on winning alone but they have benefited a lot since they started the journey to be crowned.
“I promise to work with my fellow Buganda Kingdom leaders to make sure that we promote the heritage of the kingdom through the young generation and I will start with promoting tourism in Kyadondo County where I come from and other counties,” she promised.
Vuvuzelas were heard loud as fans cheered on their people.
The competitions started with a search for contestants in all the 18 counties that make up Buganda region and each county was required to send three representatives to compete in the final stage.
Only 28 girls made it to the finals where they competed in different segments in regard to culture, national issues and academics.
Before the finals, the competitors had to take part in different activities ahead of the battle, where they spent three weeks in a boot camp engaging in several farming sessions and visits.
Buganda Kingdom Gender Minister Cotlida Nakate, who represented the Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, said the Buganda culture has been built on several foundations and Miss Tourism is part of them.
“Culture and heritage involves other initiatives which include music, language, dress code, behaviour and food and all these have been exhibited on this event,” she says
Nakate added that this has exhibited the real meaning of the pearl of Africa and the main objective of promoting and protecting culture norms is now on top and she applauded the team spearheading the cause.
The event, labelled the Kaynela Edition was aimed at highlighting the link between tourism and agriculture in Buganda, as well as promoting notable landmarks and attractions within the kingdom.
The competition saw contestants from 18 counties of Buganda participating in the pageant, showcasing not only their physical beauty, skills and talents but also their knowledge of Buganda’s heritage and tourist attractions.