Evelyn Namatovu Kironde to Represent Uganda in Miss International Pageant. 

By Jonah Kirabo

Having missed out on several editions of what it is arguably one of the oldest and biggest beauty pageants in the world, Uganda is finally making a comeback in the Miss International Beauty pageant that is holding its 59th edition in November this year.

Miss International, was launched in the 1960’s and has been happening every year in Tokyo, Japan but Uganda, which has only participated in the 2009 edition will be looking for a comeback having secured a license to operate a franchise in August this year.

Evelyn Namatovu Kironde, a commercial model, business lady and finalist of Bachelor of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (BESBM) from Makerere University Business School was selected to represent the country. Jonah Kirabo caught up with her in an interview.

I’m Evelyn Namatovu Kironde, a model currently signed under Joram Model Management, an entrepreneur and awaiting graduation next year in January having completed all the necessary requirements for a Bachelors Degree in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management from MUBs.

Well, I don’t know how to feel to be honest *laughs* but I feel so lucky and I thank God and all the judges that zeroed down to me. I have mixed emotions about it, a while ago I was feeling a bit anxious but now, I am ready for the crown and I am sure, I will bring it home.

I was selected through an intense online campaign by the judges. That’s why I told you that I feel so lucky. Uganda got the license in August this year and this was already being scheduled for a contest so they decided to do a selection online. But after this, Miss International Uganda, I have been reliably informed, will be organizing pageants each year to select the representative since they will have all the time to plan.

Haha. Yes, I contested in Miss Uganda 2016. I finished among the Top Five and also took home the Miss Beach Beauty crown that year. I was the youngest that year. I was a teenager and it was my first year as a commercial model.

Miss International is one of the oldest beauty pageants in the world. It happens every year in Tokyo and unlike several other pageants, it focuses on business, tourism, peace and international relations. Over 90 countries are participating this year and I saw this as an opportunity for us as a country to promote business tourism and create opportunities for the youth in the creative industry. My project will center on this and I trust that we will benefit a lot as a country.

I can only ask for their support. Trust me, it’s real hard work in here and if I can get every Ugandan’s support, I will do my best not to let any of them down. Together we can achieve this.