Jemimah Mpagi crowned Miss Tourism Busoga 2025/2026
Contestants represented the 11 chiefdoms of Busoga; Luuka, Butembe, Bugabula, Budiope, Buzaaya, Busiki, Bukono, Bunha, Bunhole Bunanumba, Bulamoji, and Bukooli.
Miss Tourism Busoga 2025/2026 Jemimah Mpagi (C) with First runners up Hairat Kagoya (L) and Fiona Kalegere (R), the second runners up, while at Itanda Falls in Jinja. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)
JINJA - It was blazing, the anticipation was palpable, and the air was thick with glamour and hope.
On the spectacular Saturday night near Itanda Falls, twenty-two-year-old Jemimah Mpagi from the esteemed Abaise Muganza clan emerged victorious, securing the coveted title of Miss Tourism Busoga 2025/2026.
Fiona Kalegere, 22, from Bulamogi Chiefdom, was named the First Runner-Up, and Hairat Kagoya, 20, from Kigulu Chiefdom, took the Second Runner-Up spot
Hailing from Bunha Chiefdom and currently pursuing her Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality at YMCA Business College in Jinja, she triumphed over 15 other contestants in the fiercely competitive pageant.
The crowning moment was majestic, presided over by Busoga Kingdom’s Minister of Tourism Hellen Namutamba, who was flanked by esteemed Judge David Batema.
A triumphant answer and tears of joy
It was the crucial question-and-answer session where Mpagi truly shone, articulating her vision with poise and passion that convinced the panel she was the ideal ambassador.
The moment her name was announced, the new queen could not contain her emotions; tears of pure joy streamed down her cheeks, met by an overwhelming chorus of ululation and cheers from the captivated crowd.
Miss Tourism Busoga 2025/2026 Jemimah Mpagi. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)
Though caught up in the thrill of the moment, the newly crowned Miss Tourism Busoga had previously shared her grand mission: to fearlessly promote Busoga's timeless gems and unearth Uganda's hidden treasures.
• Caroline Federesi Kawuma (Kigulu) - Miss Tourism Popularity
• Tabitha Nangobi - Miss Creativity
• Ritah Tusubira - Miss Talent
• Hairat Kagoya - Century Hotels Brand Ambassador.
• Faith Konso (Kigulu Chiefdom) - Ambassador Itanda Falls. She was also awarded $100 by Justice Batema.
The judging panel included James Mwere (Managing Director MJ Safaris Tour Company), Shabia Nakawesa (Nile Beat), Pius Isabirye and Queen Rashida Nabiryo.
Museveni donates drones to beauty queens
In an inspiring moment, Namutamba also used the platform to hand over two brand-new Drone vans—a generous donation from President Yoweri Museveni as a fulfilled pledge—to the Busoga Talent and Musicians Network and the Ministry of Tourism of Busoga that will be used by Tourism Queens.
Namutamba encouraged the queens to continue with their work in promoting domestic tourism across all of Busoga’s magnificent sites.
The night concluded with performances from a constellation of stars, including Kadabada, Tina Baibe, Cool Demus, Menton Ras, Uncle Hoe, Omudongole, and Triple Virus.