IUEA beauty contest lives up to its billing

BEAUTY CONTEST

KAMPALA - Recently, I was in Kasanga and happened to pass by International University of East Africa (IUEA).

The place was lit, as many youths say. There was a buzz about it -- full of life and vim.

Several buoyant and spruced up students of the university created a scene along the road, with their prance in step swag.

Inevitably they drew the curiousity of several passersby, who had no idea what the palaver was all about.

I soon found out the students were publicizing the 5th edition of their university's beauty contest: Mr and Mrs International University of East Africa. From several student accounts, it would be the best university beauty show ever held.

Eager to bear witness, I sauntered into the university's auditorium before the show commenced. I must say, I had quite a treat.

The contestants on the runway. (Credit: Richard Wetaya)

Solemnized by Denzel Mwiyeretsi of Urban TV and adjudicated by three judges, the show lived up to the billing as the 27 contestants from different African countries excitedly gave good accounts of themselves on the runaway.

The university has myriad foreign students.

Dressed to the nines, the contestants strutted their stuff to the excitement of onlookers.

Elegance was on show. (Credit: Richard Wetaya)

At the end of it all, Joseph Mwesigwa and Leticia Bahati were crowned Mr and Mrs International University of East Africa for the year 2018.

Contestants had to show their ingenuity in six different categories. The first four were based principally on displays of cultural/traditional wear, dinner wear, swim wear and casual wear.

That was followed by a talent showcase and ingenuity in making an outfit for oneself using anything but fabric.

The contest had participants put their creative side on display. (Credit: Richard Wetaya)

Curiously, there were outfits made out of egg shells, grass and newspapers and shirts made out of polythene bags and cards.

The show was brought to a close by an exhilarating performance by fast-rising Ugandan female pop star Vinka. The entertainer brought down the house by performing songs such as Overdose, Malaika and Tubikole.