Uganda makes it to Miss World finals for the first time

The 68th edition of Miss World taking place in Sanya, China ended on a historical moment when Miss World Uganda, Quiin Abenakyo, secured a guaranteed place in the final top 30 for Miss World 2018.

This is a monumental moment for Uganda as they have secured a place in the top 30 for the first time in Miss World history.

After a record 2.2 billion views and 20 million votes by members of the public, in a captivating finale of the Head to Head challenge, a shortlist of 20 candidates took to the stage with 90 seconds to present to a panel of judges the work they are doing in their home countries to support Beauty with a Purpose.

Abenakyo,awarded with a medal at Miss World 2018. (Courtesy Photo)

Quiin spoke with passion about her Beauty with a Purpose project fighting teenage pregnancies as 1 in 4 adolescent girls in Uganda aged 14 to 19 either have a child or are pregnant.

"I am very proud and humbled for having done this for my country. I believe all girls have dreams and goals to achieve." She said

Quiin has completed her Bachelor's Degree in Business Computing.

She has a passion for cooking and dreams of becoming a top Chef and a successful Business Woman.

Quiin's proudest moment was when she participated in the New York Fashion week.

Her favorite film is ‘Coming to America' with Eddie Murphy and her favorite food is Matooke and groundnut sauce.

She also enjoys reading and travelling.

The three judges included current Miss World 2017 title holder Manushi Chhillar (India), and former Miss Worlds Meghan Young (Philippines, 2013) and Stephanie Del Valle (Puerto Rico, 2016).

The judges selected each contestant based on their public speaking abilities and the passion about their project that embodies Beauty with a Purpose.

The Head to Head Challenge was introduced in 2017 and has continued to attract a huge audience online. (Courtesy Photo)

The twenty contestants that went head to head with each other included:

 Mauritius v. France

 Venezuela v. Philippines

 Nigeria v. Bangladesh

 Chile v. Lebanon

 Malaysia v. Guadeloupe

 Myanmar v. India

 Nepal v. Singapore

 Thailand v. Bulgaria

 Mexico v. Trinidad

 Argentina v. Uganda

Following each of the two presentations, the judges had to make a decision about which contestant would be guaranteed a place in the top 30 at the final on Saturday 8 December 2018 on the world's biggest stage.

The Head to Head Challenge was introduced in 2017 and has continued to attract a huge audience online.

This year's Head to Head Challenge final can be seen on www.missworld.com, YouTube and Facebook.