Meet Miss Uganda 2023, Tumukunde Hannah Karema

By Lakel Maria Agaba Last updated Mar 20, 2023

The Miss Uganda Beauty Pageant finale 2023 were underway. What an exhilaration that filled UMA Multipurpose Hall in Kampala! What an evening full of fun? Saturday, 18th March. Live performances from the likes of Levixone, Jackie Chandiru, B2C Music and the vibe!

The stunning 20 frontrunners left the

viewing audience in awe and

reverence. It was a tight race to the top.

Tension and expectations got held in check. It was an air of surprise! Quiet and wonder! Splendor and Light!

Miss Tumukunde Hannah Nakale became the announced Queen. Miss Uganda 2023. Shouts of joy! cheers from the long waiting audience! It was an evening to remember.

But Who is the lucky queen, Miss Tumukunde Hannah Nakalema?

Tumukunde Hannah Nakalema is a fashion model and humanitarian. She hails from the Nakaseke district, central Uganda.

She did her schooling at Seroma Christian High School. And Hana Mixed International School of UGANDA.

Hannah lives in Kisasi, Kampala, Uganda.

Miss Hannah Karema represented Central Uganda in the pageants. She became an Online People’s Choice Award Winner with 70,830 Votes.

She will now represent Uganda in the upcoming 71ST Miss World 2023 Pageant. The Grand Finale will be in Dubai.

Following her crown ceremony, Tumukunde was thankful that the crown was finally hers.

“Thank you, GOD. The crown is finally home, I was crowned Miss Uganda 2023. Thank you all for voting for me,” she said on her twitter.

Tumukunde won a Toyota Wish, and she will represent Uganda at the Miss World competitions in Dubai.

The 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up also won a scholarship to Uganda’s Aviation Academy.

Due to The COVID-19 pandemic, Miss Uganda had been last held in July 2019. Queen Oliver Nakakande has been the reigning queen.

Mitch Egwang and Anita Fabiola hosted this year’s Pageants.

What is the history of Miss Uganda?

Miss Uganda beauty pageant has been held annually in Uganda since 1967. It was founded by. The aim is to promote Ugandan culture, fashion, and beauty.

The first Miss Uganda pageant was held in Kampala, and it attracted several contestants from different regions of Uganda.

The winner of the first Miss Uganda pageant was Miss Salmon Rosemary a Ugandan of British descent.

Four African beauty queens pose at their London hotel before the 1967 Miss World beauty contest. From left to right Teresa Shayo, Miss Tanzania; Rosemary Salmon, Miss Uganda; Rosalind Balogun, Miss Nigeria and Araba Vroon.

Miss Joy Lehai Kanyarutokye became the first queen with both parents Ugandan. She represented Uganda in the Miss Universe pageant.

Since then, Miss Uganda has produced several winners who have represented Uganda in various international beauty pageants.

Over the years, the pageant has evolved, with different sponsors and organizers taking charge at different times.

The Ministry of Agriculture is in charge of choosing the next Miss Uganda based on agriculture, with the goal of attracting young people to the sector.

In 2014, General Salim Saleh publicly announced a collaboration between the Miss Uganda Foundation, the annual contest’s organizers, and the Wealth Creation program, which he directs.

These pageants have faced some controversies. Including allegations of rigging, financial mismanagement, and lack of transparency in the selection of winners.

However, the pageant remains a popular event in Uganda. It also continues to attract young women from different regions. These aspire to become the next Miss Uganda.

In recent years, the pageant has also placed more emphasis on social issues. These include; education, health, and community development. In addition to promoting beauty and fashion.