Noeline Mandu crowned Miss Tourism Eastern Region

The desire for the Miss Tourism Eastern Region title blazed in all 10 contestants who participated in the competition last Saturday at Victoria Coconut Beach, Busia.

This was evident in every activity showcased at the event, as the girls delivered electrifying performances full of energy and passion, making it a difficult task for the judges to pick the winner.

The performances included mime, poems, cultural and creative dances, all connected to this year's Miss Tourism Uganda theme: AI, Culture, and Tourism.

The designs of the evening gowns and cultural wear showcased the creativity and ambition of the contestants. Using materials ranging from coconut leaves, shields, spears, bark cloths, gourds, cowry shells, and feathers to silver paper and animal skins, the girls created breathtaking attires.

Performances from the Busia PEFO Brass Band, Fwadu Engalabe group, Bonefish, and Fox Man spiced up the event.

At the end of the day, Noeline Mandu, a Makerere University Business School (MUBS) student from the Bugisu sub-region, was announced the winner.

"I am elated to win this title and very humbled at the same time," said the 21-year-old Bachelor of Arts in International Business student. "With AI marrying our culture, it will help me promote tourism in the Eastern region better."

Mandu added that if she also wins the Miss Tourism Uganda crown, it will not only open doors for her to promote her region but also the entire nation.

Justine Ojambo, patron of the Warembo Queen's Foundation, which organized this year's Miss Tourism Eastern Uganda crown, said the competition was steep.

Girls in culutural attire

"The girls have been here for two weeks, and they have put on a great performance," Ojambo said. He predicted that history would repeat itself this year, noting that the winner of the crown in 2023, Ruokaya Nabukonde Kiyayi, also came from the East.

The guest of honour, Janet Hope Anyango, Woman District Member of Parliament for Busia, remarked that the event was about allowing innovations to preserve, promote, and celebrate culture and tourism destinations.

"Eastern Uganda is blessed with extraordinary tourism treasures, from the source of the Nile in Jinja, the beauty of Sipi Falls, and Mount Elgon, to the rich cultures of Uachumbala Rock in Bukedea, as well as the beautiful shores of Lake Victoria," Anyango said.

Anyango urged the contestants to maintain good character, noting that it is what will open doors for them.

"The crown you receive tonight may last a year; character lasts forever. Titles may open doors, integrity keeps them open. Beauty attracts attention, but purpose changes lives," she said.