A wave of excitement swept through the Busoga Kingdom as this year’s Miss Tourism contest delivered a moment that stirred admiration across the Nile region.
A 24-year-old contestant with a speech impairment, Doreen Naigaga, stepped onto the stage with remarkable confidence and won the hearts of many in an unforgettable display of resilience.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Itanda Falls in Butagaya Sub-county, Jinja District, the pageant opened with vibrant cultural showcases, modelling segments, and creative performances before moving into the much-anticipated question-and-answer session.
Long before the finalists took the stage, word had spread that one of the 16 contestants did not speak, leaving many curious about how she would navigate the toughest round.
When her moment arrived, Naigaga—accompanied by an interpreter—responded to the judges’ questions with the same grace, clarity and intelligence as her fellow contestants.
Her performance quickly became one of the standout moments of the event.
The competition brought together tourism ambassadors representing counties across Busoga, each showcasing the heritage and pride of their communities.
After a rigorous selection process, Naigaga was crowned Miss Tourism Butembe County, drawing thunderous applause from the audience.
The overall Miss Tourism Busoga 2025–2026 title went to Mpagi Jemimah of Bunha County, who impressed the judges with her poise, stage presence and deep understanding of Busoga’s cultural and tourism landscape.
Among the dignitaries present was Iganga High Court Judge David Batema, who commended First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga for her continued role in championing tourism development in Busoga.
He noted that her efforts have contributed to the revival of key attractions along the River Nile that had once stagnated.
Kadaga was represented by Busoga Kingdom Minister for Tourism Hellen Namutamba, who reassured parents that the kingdom’s pageants are grounded in culture, discipline and character building—not moral degeneration.
She added that several former contestants have even secured educational opportunities through the platform.
Minister Namutamba also issued a stern reminder to the newly crowned queens to uphold the kingdom’s values, warning that the titles will be withdrawn from any participant who acts contrary to cultural expectations.
“We are here to preserve culture. If we find any of you in bars, we shall strip you,” she said.
With its compelling mix of cultural celebration, youthful talent and stories of courage, this year’s Miss Tourism Busoga contest reaffirmed its role as more than a beauty competition—it is a showcase of identity, resilience and the growing spirit of tourism in the kingdom.