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At the colorful crowing event held at the Kampala Serena Hotel, Nabukonde from Elgon in Eastern Uganda bested 24 other finalists representing all sub-regions of Uganda.
She replaces Ms Nabulya Sydney Kavuma, the now outgoing Miss Tourism Uganda 2022/23.
Others in the top three included Ms. Alison Akello from Teso bub region, also in Eastern Uganda who was the first runner-up, and Ms. Martha Apero from Karamoja in north-eastern Uganda, who was the second runner-up.
The crowing event was a culmination of a marathon of activities and training that the queens underwent over the past few months.
Read: Land title, trips abroad; big prizes await this year’s Miss Tourism winners
The queens participated in a boot camp in Entebbe where they had master-class training in fields such as marketing, branding, tourism, hygiene, make-up, insurance, and many others.
These also were taken on familiarization tours to different tourism destinations in the country.
At the crowing ceremony, they showcased their talents in fashion, beauty, and wits by answering questions from a panel of judges.
Hon Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, who was the chief guest, praised the finalists for exhibiting extraordinary beauty and knowledge, especially in areas of tourism and environmental conservation.
The Minister also thanked the organizers for keeping alive the Miss Tourism Uganda project which was founded by the late former tourism minister Maria Mutagamba back in 2013.
On the other hand, Hon Baryomunsi expressed disappointment that men are not involved in this competition.
“I participated in the regional contest in Kigezi and there they had both Miss and Mr. Tourism Kigezi,” he said.
“But unfortunately it seems that when it gets to the national level, the boy child suffers. Maybe in the next episodes, the organizers should consider adding Mr. Tourism.”
On his part, State Minister for Tourism Martin Mugarra hailed the winner Ms Nabukonde, and the other contestants and the organizers for a job well done.
“Your initiative is instrumental in reinforcing regional tourism clusters and highlighting Uganda's broad cultural spectrum,” he said.
Other category winners
Miss Tourism Welness - Lilian Lissa
Miss Tourism Congeniality - Sylvia Kasemire
Miss Tourism Heritage - Joy Ariye
Miss Tourism Photogenic - Restetuta Ayebare