Whoever attended last Saturday’s Miss Uganda grand finale at Golf Course hotel must have noticed that this year the pageant wasn’t just about the winners but also judging how well Brenda Nanyonjo measures up to her boss Sylvia Owori in organizing the pageant.
It is on record that Owori’s years at Miss Uganda – with Nanyonjo as her make-up guru – were the most glamorous. And for sure where Solaya Zalwango and Joyce Church failed, Nanyonjo totally nailed it.
In five months, she managed to exceed people’s expectations. Singer Grace Nakimera summarized it: “Miss Uganda is back with a bang!” But for Nanyonjo, who spoke in a breaking voice and with tears running down her face, it was a tough journey with people doubting her ability to pull off the event.
But her determination and resilience silenced doubting Thomases. Nanyonjo must have regretted underestimating herself in choosing such a small, poorly aerated venue that left many guests standing as seats ran out. By 7:30pm, the hotel parking was full, and the queue to the second-floor hall was overwhelming.
From Kampala’s top models, former beauty queens and contestants over the years, to Kampala’s socialites, all turned up in big numbers, dressed to the nines.
The event kicked off with the nineteen girls stepping on stage in an evening collection by designer Lala. One of the contestants standing next to the blower had the wind blow her dress high, exposing her seemingly pantyless bottom.
The show had now started in earnest! Dancing to Oliver Mtukudzi, the poor girl without knowing why the audience was cheering wildly, turned around and the blower continued with its job. The judges included Denis Owori, an advocate; Jean Katende, an engineer; artist Nuwa Wamala Nyanzi and Yogi Birigwa.
By the time we came down to the top five girls, it was evident who the winner and runners-up would be. Wakiso’s 23-year-old Sylvia Namutebi was clearly this year’s Miss Uganda long before the official announcement.
Not that she was pre-selected; she stood out, exuding a high level of confidence that complemented her beauty and she was the crowd’s favourite. Plus, she is not new to the beauty pageant, having contested and lost last year.
The beauty queen holds a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Makerere University Business School. The first runner-up was 23-year-old Primativa Aliguma, while Amy Nandasi, 24, who holds a bachelor’s degree in statistics from Makerere University, was second runner-up.
The winner took home a Toyota Spacio, courtesy of sponsors Nile Breweries with their brand Redd’s, while the first runner-up won a plot of land from Jomayi Property Consultants. The second runner-up won a Samsung phone worth Shs 2.5m and will also become the face of Mabira Wine.
There was entertainment by Grace Nakimera, Benon and Tonix, but the highlight of the night was comedian Patrick Idringi, who kept patrons grinning.
Story Source : The Observer : By Simon Musasizi : Photos by Access Kla:
