Six young contestants from Little Miss Uganda have been officially flagged off to represent the country at the Little Mister and Miss Africa competition in Nairobi, in a move aimed at promoting Uganda’s tourism and cultural heritage.
The flag-off ceremony, held at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, was presided over by Juliana Kagwa, the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). Addressing the young participants, Kagwa emphasized their role beyond the pageant stage.
“You are not just queens; you are ambassadors,” she said. “Our mandate is to market the beautiful Uganda, and we are glad to have you as vehicles of this mission. What you say about Uganda goes beyond borders.”
The six children—Serena, Ariella, Bridget, Babirye, Primrose, and Tracy—stood proudly as they prepared to take on their ambassadorial role. Among them is the reigning Little Miss Uganda, Makumbi Serena Abigail, who expressed her excitement about representing the country.
“I am looking forward to representing Uganda in Africa, reconnecting, making new friends, and telling everyone about Uganda,” she said.
The initiative highlights the role of youth in promoting Uganda’s global image. Through their participation, the young ambassadors are expected to showcase the country’s rich tourism offerings, including its diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes, and vibrant culture.
Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is home to iconic attractions such as gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The country also boasts over 19 primate species and 165 freshwater lakes, making it a unique destination for nature and family tourism.
According to Simplicious Gessa, Head of Public Relations at UTB, the global rise in family travel presents a significant opportunity for Uganda.
“When the world sees confident, joyful Ugandan children as ambassadors, it sends a message that Uganda is a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly destination,” he noted, citing increasing global spending on family travel.
Established in 2015, the Little Miss Uganda platform aims to empower young girls by building confidence, leadership, and cultural awareness. Through initiatives like the Kids’ Cultural Quest, participants are nurtured to appreciate Uganda’s traditions while contributing to the promotion of tourism.
As the young queens head to Nairobi, they carry with them not only hopes of winning crowns but also the responsibility of representing over 45 million Ugandans. Organisers and officials expressed optimism that beyond the competition, the experience will inspire the girls to become future leaders and ambassadors for Uganda’s tourism sector.
