Talent meets creativity at Little Miss Tourism pageant

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The Little Miss Tourism Uganda 2024 was a unique blend of innovation, talent, and creativity. Over 90 children (6-15 years) participated and showcased bespoke designs.

The confidence with which they modelled and answered questions left the judges and audience impressed.

This annual event took place on December 21, 2024, at the UMA Multipurpose Hall in Lugogo, Kampala.

Parents and well-wishers filled the hall and cheered on the contestants. While some blew vuvuzelas, others waved placards bearing names and pictures of their own. Meanwhile, the contestants came from different primary and secondary schools, with Shiperoy Primary School and Sir Apollo Kaggwa School dominating the pageant.

The pageant is an annual event that celebrates Uganda's cultural diversity and tourism potential. It aims to nurture future tourism ambassadors by promoting Uganda's attractions and instilling pride in its cultural heritage.

The children competed in four categories: Miss Little, Miss Mini, Miss TOTO, and Miss Teenz. They first went through a boot camp and also had a talent night.

She brought an umbrella into the mix. (Credit: Ritah Mukasa)

At the end of the day, Divine Noel Atuhaire was crowned winner. The other top finishers were Nsiimenta Abigail, Mirembe Ketra Joy, and Alleni Stesher Divine.

Shiperoy’s Grace Masika Bahati walked home with three titles: second runner-up, Little Miss Tourism Northern Uganda, and ‘Miss Wildlife’, while Shivan Nakimuli got two: TOTO first runner-up and Rising Model. Gift Weneza took home the ‘Best Smile’ award, and Ketra Emilly Nangonzi is Miss Little Tourism Northern Region.

Bahati says, “Former Miss Uganda Quiin Abenakyo inspired me to contest. She visited our school and talked to us about dreaming big.”

Meanwhile, Barbra Kyomuhendo, the contestants' coordinator, urges parents to support their children’s talents, saying, “We encouraged our pupils to participate, and 11 of them stepped up; so far, six have won awards. Kids have big dreams, but they need support.”