Miss Earth finalists unveiled

Fourteen youthful beauties are set to compete for the crown of this year's Miss Earth Beauty Pageant (2017), which is due to take place at Nanjing Restaurant and Motel, Kololo, on Friday (August 25). The finalists, who represent various districts of Uganda, were unveiled at Nanjing Hotel, Lugogo, recently.

 
Below are the contestants:

Saudah Atim (Miss Lira), Margaret Naimuli (Miss Jinja), Josephine Mutesi Nabirye (Miss Iganga), Doreen Asingirwe (Miss Ntungamo), Esther Lindrio (Miss Kampala) and Laura Lebu (Miss Adjumani).

 
Others are Esther Akwanya (Miss Pakwach), Sharon Namugenyi (Miss Luweero), Joyce Asha Ayikoru (Miss Arua), Monica Abuko (Miss Soroti), Daphine Aluku Madong (Miss Gulu), Doreen Abbo (Miss Tororo) and Julian Nakabukye (Miss Wakiso),

What the stake-holders say

Eric Ntalo (PRO, Chimpanzee Trust)

My organisation is committed to promoting the welfare of chimpanzees. The pro-environment activities of Miss Earth Uganda are consistent with our cause, which is why we had no choice but to partner with them.

Juliet Mubi (Public Relations Manager, National Forestry Authority)

The youth constitute the biggest percentage of our population.  The policy of National Forestry Authority calls for a multiple approach to afforestation and conservation of the forest cover.

 
NFA looks forward to working with Miss Earth Uganda Beauty Pageant to promote and educate the public on conservation of the environment. The authority welcomes efforts from all stake holders that need to contribute towards the restoration, protection, promotion and sustainable use of our natural resources.

Abass Bwanaheri (Country Projects Chair, Rotaract Uganda)

Fronting the youth to advocate for environmental conservation is a creative and sustainable way of protecting the country from the effects of climate change. We shall support the cause of Miss Earth Uganda. We shall plant 10,000 trees in Gulu, on September 22-24.

Priscilla Achieng (Miss Earth Uganda 2016)

Issues concerning the environment are very pertinent to the development of our country. I am very pleased to be a participant in the environmental activities of Miss Earth Uganda.  I pray that more partners come on board so that we address the environmental concerns of our country.

The National Director of Miss Earth Uganda, Victoria Nabagereka explained: "We believe that this beauty pageant is an effective tool in promoting the protection and preservation of the environment.

 
Being a "beauties for a cause" pageant, we have partnered with different environmental and non-environmental bodies to see that we bring this cause to life."

The contest is running under the theme: My environment, My responsibility.