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Miss Tourism 2013 unveiled
Harriet Nakitto after she was crowned. Photo by Eddie Chicco.
What you need to know:
She will represent Uganda at the international Miss Tourism pageant in Malaysia this December.
Harriet Barbra Nakitto was crowned Miss Toursim Uganda 2013/2014 on Saturday in Kampala. She beat 15 finalists to be the face of Uganda’s tourism. .
Shamim Nakamyuka closed in the second spot while the crowd’s favourite, Aisha Nagudi was the second runner up. Amos Wekesa, one of the judges, said: “Nagudi was the crowd’s favourite but she was not as consistent as the winner, she failed most of the questions we asked about toursim.”
Why Nakitto?
One of the judges, Benjamin Puissant, Brussels Airlines’ country manager explains that, “The decision was hard to make, all the contestants were exceptionally fine. They were rated out of 10 so every judge had to rate their beauty, body size, presence and question approach. That is why Nakitto took it all.”
What this means for Uganda’s tourism sector
Nakitto will represent Uganda in Malaysia come December 3 in the Miss Tourism World contest. Maria Mutagamba, the Tourism minister, says: “We have revived this beauty pageant and we’re not turning back. One single message can affect the tourism industry, this is a positive message that we’re sending to the world that our tourism sector is steadily growing. We have chosen the most beautiful and intelligent girl who will represent us internationally.”
The night also had musical performances by Maurice Kirya alongside rising guitarist Peter Ouma, Naava and Cindy who put up quite an energetic performance.
Nakitto, 22, is a student at Ndejje University doing Human Resource Management. She promises to improve the tourism sector in all ways possible. “I am really grateful for this crown, I am going to work hard to improve the tourism industry in Uganda with the help of the ministry,” an excited Nakitto said. She also walked away with a car and a fully sponsored trip to Morocco.
