United Kingdom-based Maria Namiiro was on Saturday (26.09.09) crowned Miss Uganda at a glitz ceremony in the capital’s Imperial Royale Hotel.
The 21-year-old UK-based beauty, who won Miss Uganda in London in June, takes over from Dora Mwima. In addition, Namiiro wins an all-expenses-paid trip to the UK and a 12-month membership at Body Joy Health Club.
Namiiro, an air-hostess, edged out 18-year-old Joan Atieno, who became the first runner-up and 23-year-old Caroline Nantumbwe, 23, the second runner-up at the tight competition.
The judges said they were looking for a girl who stood a chance to win at the Miss World competitions later this year.
In accepting the coveted crown, she said: “I will win the Miss World title for Uganda.”
The judges were Sola Oyedade, the director Mahogany Models, Europe’s largest modelling agency for models of colour; Alan Crouch, director of African Art and Heritage, which promoters musical talent and culture in the UK; Eva Mbabazi, owner Eva Models in the UK and Rajesh Nair, director, Miss India Uganda beauty contest.
By Bogonko Bosire