If I became miss Uganda I would....
Jul 24, 2008
THE uganda telecom-sponsored search for the most beautiful girl in the country is slated for August 9 at the Serena Kampala Hotel. Ninteen girls have been selected to contest for the Miss Uganda title
THE uganda telecom-sponsored search for the most beautiful girl in the country is slated for August 9 at the Serena Kampala Hotel. Ninteen girls have been selected to contest for the Miss Uganda title. Pidson Kareire met the girls at the Kingdom of Katomi Hotel in Garuga, Entebbe, where they are undergoing training. He asked them about their likes, dislikes and future plans.
Questions asked
What will you focus on as Miss Uganda?
Who would you want to meet before you die?
What don’t you like about Ugandans?
Does virginity make sense to you?
What is your guiding principle?
What makes you happy?
Patricia Ayo, 20, student, MUK
I believe everything is beautiful, but not everyone can see the beauty. I will fight for children’s rights. I look up to Janet Museveni because of her personality. Everyone should remain a virgin until marriage; it portrays dignity. My guiding principle in life? Hard work pays. If you want something, work hard for it. The presence of true friends is a real turn-on for me.
Tyra Baligira, 21 student, Kyambogo
I do not look at physical beauty; I
consider intelligence and personality when looking for a beautiful person. I would like to fight for the less privileged women if I become Miss Uganda. I admire international models who give back to the less privileged. I do not like corrupt people.
Clara Nazziwa, 19, S.6 vacation
Beauty is not about one’s appearance but behaviour.
I will fight to save street children. I admire Janet Museveni; she fights for women’s rights. I do not like corrupt and selfish people. I believe virginity is the gift one can give someone they love most. I believe patience pays; this is my guiding principle.
Hanging out with friends makes me happy.
Dora Mwima, 18, student
Beauty is black. Black is beautiful. I will fight to bring back the dignity of beauty pageants. I would like to meet US rock singer Tina Turner because she seems a strong woman. I do not like people who despise others. Virginity should only be broken when one gets the right person. I always talk to God every morning. Be happy no matter how difficult the situation is. That is my guiding principle. A good day-out with friends is all I need to be happy.
Lalam Nyeko, 22, S.6 vacation
Beauty is not about appearance alone; personality matters a lot too. I wish to be remembered as someone who speaks for the voiceless. I admire Nelson Mandela and would like to meet him. Many Ugandans do not care about the environment, they throw rubbish wherever they please. I hate that. I strongly believe that virginity contributes to someone’s self-respect. It is a value in most African cultures. As for crushes, I get them often. I believe in always putting God first. Gospel songs make my day.
Dina Kintu, 19, S.6 vacation
Anything natural is beautiful. I will promote girl-child education. I would like to meet Kofi Anan. He defends everyone without segregation.
I hate Ugandans who are tribalistic. They waste a lot of time discussing useless issues. Virginity is a sign of self-respect, which is the virtue of a beautiful woman. I am always happy when I am around people I love.
Caroline, Nyangoma, 20, S.6 vacation
How you carry yourself determines your beauty. Appearance is just a complement. I wish to see more girls in school. I want to meet Bill Gates. It is amazing how he has accumulated so much wealth yet he is not highly-educated. I do not like people who urinate anywhere. It scandalises me. Virginity? Eeh! It is personal.
No matter what; never give up is the principle I live by. I am happy when I meet new and social people.
Arinda Anita, 21, student
To me, a good skin makes someone beautiful. I will help the girl-child. I have always admired Jesica Kayanja, wife of Miracle Centre senior Pastor, Robert Kayanja. I hate Ugandans who do not mind their business; those who are nosy. Virginity is important because it gives security to suspicious husbands. Never fail to try is my guiding principle in life.
Seeing people in good moods brings me happiness.
Medina Agenorwot, 23, fashion designer
Beauty comes from inside. A beautiful woman should be intelligent and caring.
I will fight stigmatisation against people living with HIV/AIDS. I would like to meet former South African president Nelson Mandela. I hate people who misuse words; for example, saying ‘extend’ instead of ‘excuse’ me! It is right for one to abstain from sex until the right time. Never give up, is my principle in life.
Humorous conversation makes me happy.
Norah Akwi, 20, S.6 vacation
Beauty is kindness, love and care for others; appearance is an added advantage. I will focus on changing the face of Miss Uganda because parents are scared that the pageant is immoral. I admire the First Lady, Janet Museveni. She has always worked hard to help orphans and women. I do not like polygamists. I believe every girl should remain a virgin until marriage because it is the only way to get maximum respect from her husband. My view is that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. I like hanging out with nice people.
Vitor Daisy Nabagereka, 22, graduate
Beauty is all about how someone carries herself and her appearance. I would like to help women feel good and be comfortable in their skins. I would also like to showcase Ugandan beauty to the whole world. Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda is my role model. Ugandans drink, party a lot and are extravagant. Virginity is important. It says a lot about someone’s upbringing. A good environment makes my day.
Tina Nabukalu, 21, student, MUK
Beauty is about personality. I will promote Ugandan culture. My idol is American singer-cum-actress Vanessa Williams. I do not like people who think they know everything. Virginity is one of the vital things that contributes to morals. Live positively. That is my guiding principle. People I am comfortable with make me happy.
Diana Kahunde, 21, student
To me, beauty is attitude; personality and one’s appearance combined. I would like to promote children’s rights if I become Miss Uganda.
Mercy Nanyonga, 22, graduate
Beauty is all about having a
kind heart, being social and smart. I love helping disadvantaged children. Naomi Campbell is my role model. I hate Ugandans who shout when making phone calls. Virginity is the only way one can earn respect from one’s husband. I am a firm believer in never failing to try. Good music sets my mood.
Joselyne Nyakato, 18, student
Beauty is an inner thing. It is
love, care and self-respect. I will be the voice for disabled people; I feel they are not well-represented. I admire people who sacrifice their lives for others. I do not like people who make a fuss over simple things. I believe virginity is important. It plays an important role in marriage because a man will always trust you if he finds you intact. God is love, is my guiding principle. A chat with friends makes my day.
Cynthia Noowe, 20, student
Beauty is a combination of
self-expression, intelligence and physical appearance. I would love to help people who do not have a voice. I admire Condoleezza Rice. I hate Ugandans who do nothing and then complain of poverty. Virginity is important because it keeps one safe from diseases. One also gets respect from one’s spouse. In life, I believe, if you respect yourself, others will do the same. That is the principle I live by. I like jokes. They crack me up.
Pictures by James Kabengwa
Questions asked
What will you focus on as Miss Uganda?
Who would you want to meet before you die?
What don’t you like about Ugandans?
Does virginity make sense to you?
What is your guiding principle?
What makes you happy?
Patricia Ayo, 20, student, MUK
I believe everything is beautiful, but not everyone can see the beauty. I will fight for children’s rights. I look up to Janet Museveni because of her personality. Everyone should remain a virgin until marriage; it portrays dignity. My guiding principle in life? Hard work pays. If you want something, work hard for it. The presence of true friends is a real turn-on for me.
Tyra Baligira, 21 student, Kyambogo
I do not look at physical beauty; I
consider intelligence and personality when looking for a beautiful person. I would like to fight for the less privileged women if I become Miss Uganda. I admire international models who give back to the less privileged. I do not like corrupt people.
Clara Nazziwa, 19, S.6 vacation
Beauty is not about one’s appearance but behaviour.
I will fight to save street children. I admire Janet Museveni; she fights for women’s rights. I do not like corrupt and selfish people. I believe virginity is the gift one can give someone they love most. I believe patience pays; this is my guiding principle.
Hanging out with friends makes me happy.
Dora Mwima, 18, student
Beauty is black. Black is beautiful. I will fight to bring back the dignity of beauty pageants. I would like to meet US rock singer Tina Turner because she seems a strong woman. I do not like people who despise others. Virginity should only be broken when one gets the right person. I always talk to God every morning. Be happy no matter how difficult the situation is. That is my guiding principle. A good day-out with friends is all I need to be happy.
Lalam Nyeko, 22, S.6 vacation
Beauty is not about appearance alone; personality matters a lot too. I wish to be remembered as someone who speaks for the voiceless. I admire Nelson Mandela and would like to meet him. Many Ugandans do not care about the environment, they throw rubbish wherever they please. I hate that. I strongly believe that virginity contributes to someone’s self-respect. It is a value in most African cultures. As for crushes, I get them often. I believe in always putting God first. Gospel songs make my day.
Dina Kintu, 19, S.6 vacation
Anything natural is beautiful. I will promote girl-child education. I would like to meet Kofi Anan. He defends everyone without segregation.
I hate Ugandans who are tribalistic. They waste a lot of time discussing useless issues. Virginity is a sign of self-respect, which is the virtue of a beautiful woman. I am always happy when I am around people I love.
Caroline, Nyangoma, 20, S.6 vacation
How you carry yourself determines your beauty. Appearance is just a complement. I wish to see more girls in school. I want to meet Bill Gates. It is amazing how he has accumulated so much wealth yet he is not highly-educated. I do not like people who urinate anywhere. It scandalises me. Virginity? Eeh! It is personal.
No matter what; never give up is the principle I live by. I am happy when I meet new and social people.
Arinda Anita, 21, student
To me, a good skin makes someone beautiful. I will help the girl-child. I have always admired Jesica Kayanja, wife of Miracle Centre senior Pastor, Robert Kayanja. I hate Ugandans who do not mind their business; those who are nosy. Virginity is important because it gives security to suspicious husbands. Never fail to try is my guiding principle in life.
Seeing people in good moods brings me happiness.
Medina Agenorwot, 23, fashion designer
Beauty comes from inside. A beautiful woman should be intelligent and caring.
I will fight stigmatisation against people living with HIV/AIDS. I would like to meet former South African president Nelson Mandela. I hate people who misuse words; for example, saying ‘extend’ instead of ‘excuse’ me! It is right for one to abstain from sex until the right time. Never give up, is my principle in life.
Humorous conversation makes me happy.
Norah Akwi, 20, S.6 vacation
Beauty is kindness, love and care for others; appearance is an added advantage. I will focus on changing the face of Miss Uganda because parents are scared that the pageant is immoral. I admire the First Lady, Janet Museveni. She has always worked hard to help orphans and women. I do not like polygamists. I believe every girl should remain a virgin until marriage because it is the only way to get maximum respect from her husband. My view is that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. I like hanging out with nice people.
Vitor Daisy Nabagereka, 22, graduate
Beauty is all about how someone carries herself and her appearance. I would like to help women feel good and be comfortable in their skins. I would also like to showcase Ugandan beauty to the whole world. Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda is my role model. Ugandans drink, party a lot and are extravagant. Virginity is important. It says a lot about someone’s upbringing. A good environment makes my day.
Tina Nabukalu, 21, student, MUK
Beauty is about personality. I will promote Ugandan culture. My idol is American singer-cum-actress Vanessa Williams. I do not like people who think they know everything. Virginity is one of the vital things that contributes to morals. Live positively. That is my guiding principle. People I am comfortable with make me happy.
Diana Kahunde, 21, student
To me, beauty is attitude; personality and one’s appearance combined. I would like to promote children’s rights if I become Miss Uganda.
Mercy Nanyonga, 22, graduate
Beauty is all about having a
kind heart, being social and smart. I love helping disadvantaged children. Naomi Campbell is my role model. I hate Ugandans who shout when making phone calls. Virginity is the only way one can earn respect from one’s husband. I am a firm believer in never failing to try. Good music sets my mood.
Joselyne Nyakato, 18, student
Beauty is an inner thing. It is
love, care and self-respect. I will be the voice for disabled people; I feel they are not well-represented. I admire people who sacrifice their lives for others. I do not like people who make a fuss over simple things. I believe virginity is important. It plays an important role in marriage because a man will always trust you if he finds you intact. God is love, is my guiding principle. A chat with friends makes my day.
Cynthia Noowe, 20, student
Beauty is a combination of
self-expression, intelligence and physical appearance. I would love to help people who do not have a voice. I admire Condoleezza Rice. I hate Ugandans who do nothing and then complain of poverty. Virginity is important because it keeps one safe from diseases. One also gets respect from one’s spouse. In life, I believe, if you respect yourself, others will do the same. That is the principle I live by. I like jokes. They crack me up.
Pictures by James Kabengwa