Chasing the dream: Nakakande's rise to the crown

Aug 24, 2019

I not only see myself competing in Miss World, but also bringing the crown to the Pearl of Africa. We already have Miss World Africa. So, I want to bring the biggest crown to Uganda.

BEAUTY     FASHION     

KAMPALA - Last month saw Quiin Abenakyo's reign as Miss Uganda coming to an end and the crown passed over to Oliver Nakakande. With the bar set high, does Nakakande have what it takes to break all records before her? She talked to Denis Nsubuga



Congratulations upon your victory as the new Miss Uganda, how does it feel?
Oh, thank you. It feels nice. I cannot put my gratitude to God in words.

Tell us about the experience at the crowning moment that night
I was shaking. Good, we were in long dresses; you could have seen my legs. I was praying to God endlessly, yet after winning, I could not believe my ears.

So, who is this new Queen of Uganda?
I am Oliver Nakakande, 25 years old, born in Wakiso district. I am the last born of six. I grew up in lots of places; Kawempe, Mukono and Katosi. Basically, I grew up in many hands. I was not raised by a single person. I am a student of marketing at Middlesex University, Dubai.

Nakakande speaking in Parliament recently

When did you develop the interest for Miss Uganda?
When I was a child, I always wanted to be a model. At home, they would call me a model, because I was tall and slender. When I grew up, I thought about what pageant I would contest in and Miss Uganda was the only one we have. I went for it.

How did you get to know about this year's edition?
Since I was a teenager, I always wanted to know what Miss Uganda is about and what goes on in the pageant. So, when I opened a Facebook account, the first page I followed was Miss Uganda, to know what is going on with the pageant. That is how I got to know about the auditions this year and where to pick forms.

Was this your first time to contest in a pageant?
No. When I was at UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, I contested for Miss UMCAT and won the crown. So, this was the second time I was contesting in a beauty pageant.

Miss UMCAT pageant gave me confidence. Actually, before contesting, I did not believe in myself. But when I contested and won, I thought I could go higher and here I am at Miss Uganda.

 


How did this journey start?
When I learnt about auditions for Miss Uganda, I was not in Uganda. I asked a friend o pick and fill for me forms from Sheraton Kampala Hotel.

By the time we were called for auditions, I had returned home.

When I went for the auditions, there were many beautiful girls with all the qualities. I felt like I did not stand a chance. I was very nervous during the auditions. In fact, the judges made us dance to loosen up. I was lucky to make it to the final 22, who were unveiled to the public on the presentation night. I was contestant number 22.

We then went for a three-week boot camp. At the talent night, I was a news anchor. And, during the finale, I won the crown.

You said you are a student. Did you pause your studies for the pageant?
No. We are on a summer break.

 
With all the finalists, did you dream of being crowned?
Yes. The last week of boot camp, I felt like I culd do it because they kept motivating us. I felt like I had a chance, but other girls, of course, had the same chance for the same crown.

So, we were competing.

What do you think was your strength that made you win?
I am a positive person. I hate negativity. So, I had that positivity in me, even when I did not believe in myself a lot, I was hopeful. My family and friends were also supportive.

What was your strategic plan to win this?

I did not have a plan, maybe because I did not believe in myself. When I went for the boot camp, I listened to my teachers and mentors. They would bring motivational speakers to teach us. I was always attentive and I did what they said.

Do you have plans of emulating the standards Quiin Abenakyo set?
Abenakyo has left huge shoes for me. So, I will work hard to make sure I fit in. Luckily with Miss Uganda and the academy of queens, we work together.

Now that Abenakyo has handed over, it does not mean she is gone forever.

She is still with us and she will help me with anything I need.

Tell us about your plan for the miss world crown?
Well, I am just days old. I am still a baby. With the Miss Uganda team, we will sit down and make a strategic plan for that.

Do you see yourself winning the miss world crown?
I not only see myself competing in Miss World, but also bringing the crown to the Pearl of Africa. We already have Miss World Africa. So, I want to bring the biggest crown to Uganda.

What is your beauty with a purpose project?
All the previous queens have worked on many good projects, such as clean water, keeping girls in school and many more. I am going to build on that legacy.

It is almost a month after being crowned, have you started working as Miss Uganda?
Yes. I'm currently working on a project with Ugandans in the diaspora under their umbrella- Ugandans in North America Association - Causes (UNAA-Causes) as the Clean Water ambassador.

What is involved in the clean water project?
The Clean Water project involves a lot, including doing an inspection of areas where people don't have access to clean water. Many people in Uganda don't have access to safe water and good sanitation. We inspect and find solutions. That is why we are partnering with Ugandans in North America so that we can provide safe water to the people who need it.

We learnt you are going to the US what are you going to do there?
I will be attending the Uganda Festival, also dubbed the summer's ultimate event in New York City from August 29 to September 02. And as the clean water ambassador, I will be fundraising at that event. The proceeds will be directed to providing clean to those in need.

Miss Uganda poses for a picture with children at the launch of the India day celebrations in Uganda


With the misconceptions about beauty queens, what is your perfect description of a beauty queen?

A beauty queen is that person who has nothing unique on the outside, but whose heart shares and cares for others. They have the voice to talk for people who do not have the voice. It is not about beauty and smiles without a passion for sharing in them.

Did your family support you for Miss Uganda?
Oh yes.

What is your advice to young girls who would like to be like you?
I urge them to stay in school. When you study, you become smarter and you can choose your dreams wisely. Listen to your parents. You can do anything if you believe in yourself. Trust in your abilities.
 
Which woman mostly inspires?
Around the world, it is Serena Williams. She is amazing. I love sports and she is an inspiration in that field.

Is Oliver Nakakande in a relationship?
I will not talk about that. It is private.

How do you plan to juggle your responsibilities as Miss Uganda and studies?
My school is flexible. I can study wherever and whenever. I can study online. I can work with the Miss Uganda Foundation and study at the same time. It is not going to affect me in any way.
 
Fact file

Born on July 4, 1994, to David Vvumba, Nakakande went to Kawempe C/U Primary School, Helm Senior School, Mukono and UMCAT School of Journalism.

She is currently a second-year student of Marketing at Middlesex University Dubai.

She loves sports, especially basketball, swimming and going to the gym.

RELATED TO THE STORY

Oliver Nakakande crowned Miss Uganda

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});