By Titus Kakembo                                                                                                   

Tables were darkened with all tribes of beer as an exodus of revelers thronged Mount Moroto Hotel for the first Miss Tourism contest.

Seven contestants did the cat walk, answered questions from judges and exhibited the diverse cultural wear.

“One, Two and Three” Uganda Tourism Board’s Slyvia Kalemba left the guests on the edges of their seats in suspense while announcing the winners.

“The second runner up is none other than Ambassador Grace Nyagan! And the first runner up is calm and composed Acheng Celestine,” added Kalemba.

“But most all the crown goes to Queen Karen Nyagan…”


Some of Miss Karimoja contestants

The guest of honor, Moroto deputy RDC, Hellen Pulkol took the opportunity to call upon investors, tourists and traders to visit  Karamoja.

“It is time for Moroto to heal from the wounds of cattle rustling. There are lots of opportunities waiting to be tapped. Recently we had the minister of Karamoja affairs break ground for Hotel Africana construction. We need more investors to create jobs for our crop of educated youth,”  said Pulkol.

The beer taps went into flood gear as the volume of the music was made louder.

Country Karimojong music punctuated Chameleon’s songs, Lingala from DRC, Kadodi and other local artists’ compositions.

You could tell one’s tribe by the way they danced.

The Karamojong jumped high to the beat.

The Iteso and Bagishu trembled as if they were processed by evil spirits in rythm to the beat.   

Bodaboda shuttled the town all night long as travelers, NGO employees and tourists guzzled beer as if there was no tomorrow.


Miss Tourism Karamoja, Queen Karen Nyagan

The dance floor filled to capacity with night life revelers whispering sweet nothings and promising each other heaven on earth.

Journalists, the judges and other guests were reluctant to leave Moroto after the colorful function.

Tempers flared when preferred contestant did not win leading to an exchange of blows, spilling bears and hurling insults as deafening music blared till the sun came down.

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