Over the years, event organisers have been moving from concerts where the main attraction is the artistes to experiential events.
Winner Nyonyozi (C) is congratulated by her compatriots during the crowning ceremony of Miss Uganda.
PHOTOS/ISAAC SSEJJOMBWE
When Natasha Nyonyozi’s name was read by Brenda Nanyonjo as the winner for this year’s Miss Uganda, her fans in both the VIP and ordinary sections could not stop screaming and jumping all over.
Their support had finally paid off while her patience and resilience earned her the top spot. The 23-year-old accountant beat off competition from 25 other contestants for the crown in a grand gala last Saturday at Sheraton Hotel Kampala gardens.Besides being crowned Miss Uganda 2023/24, Nyonyozi – whose name means star – an accountant from Kabale also won Miss Photogenic in the StarTimes sponsored event.
“This is the most important day in my life. I still can’t believe this is real,” said an excited Nyonyozi. Nyonyozi who loves travelling, reading, yoga, swimming, art and digital creations won a car as the top prize for her victory and will be representing Uganda at the 72nd in Miss World competition next year.Jinja City’s Sureya Umeimah was the first runner-up while Joan Nabatanzi from Butambala district came third. In fourth place was Terego district’s Queen Prisca Letaru.
The contestants first answered a number of questions from the judges including two former beauty queens including Quiin Abenakyo and Oliver Nakakande as well as two other gentlemen. The answers to the questions determined who went through to the next round. From 26, the numbers were trimmed to twelve and eventually to the top seven.
There were other competitions that contestants participated in before the grand finale including Miss Beach that went to Sarah Karungi, Miss Sports that went to Marcey Adongo, Miss Congeniality that was won by Martha Tusiime, Miss Popularity that Letaru Prisca won. She also took home Miss Elite while Mis Personality was won by Patra Nalugguza among others.
Maddox Sematimba, Ykee Benda and Jackie Chandiru entertained the crowd while Andrew Kyamagero and Anita Fabiola hosted this edition.