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Uganda's beauty Queen Michela Amato 12, was recently crowned Little Miss Global 2024. The contest was held in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, at the prestigious High Convention Centre Galaxy Banquet Hall from March 4 - 8.

Uganda is the first African country to win the crown in the annual contest organized by Kids and Teens Pageant Global, as it has previously been taken by Cambodia.

In this year’s contest, Cinta Danisya from Malaysia was the first Runners up and Chheng Lisa from Cambodia the second runners up out of the eight girls that competed for the crown.  Participating countries included Philippines, South Africa, India, Malaysia and Indonesia among others.

The queen takes over the role from 13-year-old Monyneath Chhorda of Cambodia.

The judges focused on personality, intelligence, talent, character and charitable involvement, through question and answer sessions.

At the contest, Amato, a learner at Kabojja International School, won four titles; Best Interview award 2024, Darling of the crowd 2024, Best national costume award 2024 and Beautiful body award 2024.

Queen Michela Amato. (Courtesy)

Amato's national exquisite costume stood out among the many, especially its tail that was crafted from backcloth, adorned with symbols of the river Nile, mountain gorillas and a myriad of birds, creating a harmonious blend of Uganda's tradition, prosperity, and natural beauty.

During an interview with the New Vision, Amato said this crown is a huge milestone in her life. She was proud to represent Uganda well at the global stage.

“The contest has given me a huge platform to continue advocating for children's rights through assisting many to access education and promote their talents,” said Amato, who stands at an impressive height of 163cm.

She said that she promoted Uganda as a tourism destination as she proudly boasted about the source of the river Nile, the big five wild animals and the unmatched hospitality the people exhibit to guests from all over the world.

Amato dedicated the crown to Uganda and her father, whom she said has stood with her throughout her journey to the crown by providing both financial and spiritual support.

In her one year tenure, the queen is expected to be a role model to children around the world and intensify her charity work in the community.

The star explained that through her Amato Foundation, she is to use her office to mobilise stakeholders to ensure children keep in school by ensuring that they have all the scholastic materials in time to improve their performance.

On the sidelines of the contest, Amato's charity project for supporting children in schools scooped the youth philanthropy champions international award.

It should be noted that Amato holds other crowns like the Little Miss Africa Uganda crown, Little Miss Photogenic Africa crown and Bliss best model 24.

The queen wants to be an architect just like her father and design buildings that can improve the wellbeing of people.

Kids and Teens Pageant Global Uganda Country Director, Doreen Namugenyi, noted that the crown symbolizes our growth and progress as a country.

She said as the first Ugandan to achieve this honour, she amplifies the voices of Ugandan children and showcases the nation’s talent and values on the global stage.

"We as the Kids and Teen Pageant Global Uganda stand as one with her advocacy for children’s rights to show our country’s commitment to its youth, while her success fosters national pride and recognition internationally."