Past and present queens dazzle at the inaugural Queens' Affair
The star-studded affair drew the who's-who of Uganda's beauty, fashion, and pageantry scene, bringing together queens, both young and old, who have either won or competed in various beauty pageants across the country.
Rona Kisakye dazzled. Courtesy photo
It was a dazzling collision of beauty, elegance, influence, and ambition as Uganda's past and present beauty queens descended on Kampala Serena Hotel for the maiden Queens' Affair show.
By the end of the evening, that glamorous celebration had proved to guests that the power of a crown goes far beyond the pageant stage.
The star-studded affair drew the who's-who of Uganda's beauty, fashion, and pageantry scene, bringing together queens, both young and old, who have either won or competed in various beauty pageants across the country. They were dressed to impress in a kaleidoscope of colours and sashayed down the red carpet with all the confidence and regal flair expected of royalty. Adding even more sparkle to the occasion were contestants from Miss Universe Uganda, who were proudly paraded during the event.
Running under the inspiring theme, "Beyond the Crown: Women Thriving in Professional, Creative and Business Spaces," the event was far more than a glamorous gathering. It was also answering an age-old question of what happens to those beauty queens after the crown. Where do they go?
The event was graced by Ababu Namwamba, the High Commissioner of Kenya to Uganda, as chief guest, alongside Irene T. Kauma, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the First Lady and Ministry of Education and Sports.
Namwamba's message focused on the power of regional cooperation, urging women to look beyond national borders, embrace collaboration across East Africa, and build networks that unlock opportunities in economic growth, leadership, and innovation.
Kauma, meanwhile, delivered an inspiring keynote titled "Leading Beyond the Crown," challenging women to embrace purposeful leadership and build legacies capable of creating lasting change.
For organiser Rona Kisakye, a former Miss Tourism Busoga beauty queen, the event was born from a simple but powerful desire: to bring Uganda's beauty queens together not merely to celebrate the crowns they have won, but to celebrate the women behind them.
She said, "For many years, pageantry has been viewed primarily as a competition centred around beauty. However, I believe that a crown represents much more than that. It symbolises leadership, service, resilience, purpose, and influence."
Kisakye explained that Queens' Affair was created to connect beauty queens with accomplished leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives, while inspiring them to explore the endless possibilities beyond the pageant stage.
"Queens' Affair is about equipping women with the knowledge, networks, and confidence to excel in business, leadership, advocacy, and the creative industry," she added.
Kisakye said the ultimate goal is to redefine what it means to wear a crown by encouraging every queen to measure her success not simply by titles won, but by the impact she creates in her community and beyond.
The glamorous gathering also featured a podcast session dubbed "Her Playbook," hosted by Kisakye, offering a platform for candid conversations, inspiration, and insights from women charting their own paths in professional and creative spaces.
Others in attendance were guests like Brenda Nanyonjo (Miss Uganda Franchise holder), Joram Muzira (Miss Universe Uganda Franchise holder), and Manuela Mulondo, a gender equality activist.
And, as expected at an affair celebrating women who have made their mark, the evening came with plenty of recognition. Outstanding queens, industry players, trailblazers, and champions of women's empowerment were honoured for their contributions and influence.
Lifetime Achievement Award — Mama Brenda Nanyonjo
Empowerment Icon — Hon. Maria Mutagamba (RIP)
The Star Maker — Joram Job Muzira
Rising Star — Brianna Malaika Muwanga
Impactful Queen — Julian Kyomuhendo, Hanna Karema & Santina Anshemeza
Fashion Designer of the Year — Mickey Designs
Trailblazer Award — Vanita Busingye & Evelyn Atim
Influential Queen — Jean Corprise Akullo
Excellence Award — Hon. Challah Elma Kapel
Crown of Grace — Stella Nantumbwe
Empower Her Award — Dora Mwima
Humanitarian Award — Ramonah Olundah Sarah & Irene Nakitende
Innovation Award — Enid Mirembe
Voice for Change — Hon. Lenia Charity Kevin