Karamoja’s Kezia Cindy Nachap crowned Miss Tourism Uganda

Karamoja’s Kezia Cindy Nachap has been crowned Miss Tourism Uganda 2025/26, marking a major milestone for her region in the pageant.

She beat tough competition to take the crown, with Pauline Leizel Amusolo emerging first runner-up and Gabriella M Akere as second runner-up. For the first time in the history of the event, a male category was introduced, with King Isaac Amuriat named the inaugural Man of Tourism International 2025/26.

The finale was held last Friday at Serena hotel in Kampala, bringing to a close weeks of voting and regional contests. Miss Tourism Uganda director Paul Michael Mutagamba said September 5 carried personal significance, coinciding with the birthday of his late mother, Maria Mutagamba, the former Tourism minister and founder of the pageant.

“We celebrate her as we crown this new generation of queens,” he said. Nachap dedicated her crown to the people of Karamoja.

“Our region is often remembered for conflict and hardship, but we are also a land of beauty, culture and resilience. I want to use this platform to change the narrative and attract visitors to experience Karamoja’s uniqueness.”

She received a weekend holiday package at Serena hotel as part of her prize. KCCA deputy ED Benon Moses Kigenyi congratulated the winners, noting that Kampala remains a hub of tourism activities in Uganda and invited the public to the Kampala City Festival set for October 5.

Launched in 2013, Miss Tourism Uganda, celebrates Uganda’s heritage and cultural diversity across 12 regional clusters. The 2025 edition ran under the theme “I am My Culture.”

OTHER WINNERS INCLUDED:

• Miss Tourism Popularity – Anna Ahebwomugisha
• Miss Tourism Conservation – Phiona Rhoda Amali
• Miss Talent – Catrionah Aanyu
• Miss Continuity – Shiva Jane Namugerwa
• Miss Multimedia – Gabriella Akere
• Miss Photogenic – Bridget Karungi
• Rising Woman – Shiva Jane Namugerwa
• Miss Creative – Bridget Karungi
• Miss Environment – Rita Angwec

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