Former Miss Tourism Teso to represent Uganda at African contest in Nigeria

_______________

Former Miss Tourism Teso, Alison Mary Akello, flew out of the country Saturday destined for the Nigerian city of Lagos, where she will represent Uganda at the Miss Tourism Africa - International (MTA).

Organizers of this third season of MTA set for October 1 say it promises to be "a night of culture, talent and beauty”.

Akello, who last month (August) handed over her crown to the new Miss Tourism Teso winner, Betty Acam Okello, was chosen to represent Uganda at the grand finale in Nigeria.

The event will take place at the Landmark Centre starting 6pm East African Time.

Alison’s selection was based on her outstanding confidence and eloquent sign of leadership exhibited in previous tasks.

Akello, who hails from Angobo village in Katakwi district, is among the 20 African tourism beauties set to participate in the Miss Tourism Africa boot camp competition.

Other countries represented are Kenya, Tanzania, Chad, Benin, Malawi, Namibia, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Ghana, Togo, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Mauritius, Nigeria, Cote D’Ivoire, Cameroon.

'Opportunity to sell Uganda'

For about a month in the buildup, the beauty queens participating in their respective countries have been shooting videos showcasing the beauty of sights and sounds representing their countries.

It is a task each  participant was handed as a pre-requisite, before traveling to Nigeria for the final MTA-International beauty pageant.

Just before her departure at Entebbe International Airport, Akello told New Vision that it is a great opportunity for her to advertise Uganda's tourism sites. 

"I want that by the time I leave Nigeria, those people should be able to tell the beauty of Uganda in me," she said.

"There are very many countries that are going to participate and each contestant is required to tell what is in their country and this is the only opportunity for me to sell our country worldwide," said the ecstatic Akello, who has rallied Ugandans to trust and pray for her to win.

Queen Alison and other Queens and family at Entebbe Airport. (Photo by Alfred Atwau)

 Akello's journey

In 2023, Akello won the Miss Tourism Teso crown, which saw her take part in the Miss Tourism Uganda contest, where she emerged second runner-up. 

She said promoting cultural heritage and conserving ecotourism for sustainable development has been her dream right from childhood.

Akello thanked Miss Tourism Teso CEO, Shilla Aanyu Ogeuna, for grooming her.

"She has been tough on me to ensure that I be bold to represent my region in all dimensions and here I am today to take my flight to Lagos."

Alison started school at Apuuton primary in Katakwi district, before joining Bishop Cipriano Kihangire Secondary School.

She later joined Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono, where she attained a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Governance.

Akello believes that her education background has contributed to what she is today. With that in mind, she urged girls to always fight for their dreams and never to give up no matter the situation.

Her parents escorted her to Entebbe to see her off, and so did reigning Miss Tourism Teso Acham and pioneer contestant for Miss Tourism Africa 2023 Queen Vanitah Faith Busingye.