Buganda Kingdom has officially launched the Miss Tourism Buganda Kingdom 2026 beauty pageant aimed at promoting tourism and cultural heritage.
While launching the pageant, the coordinator of the GROW project, Dr Aisha Biyinzika Kasolo, urged young women to stop believing that their beauty alone can help them achieve what they want in life.
“Girls should stop thinking that their beauty will give them everything they need. They should instead engage in activities that can help them earn money and become economically independent,” she said.
The Minister for Culture and Heritage in the Buganda Kingdom,Dr Anthony Wamala, in a message delivered by Ssalongo Luwangula Basajja Nsolo, warned that the kingdom will no longer tolerate individuals who destroy tourism resources.
“The kingdom will not continue turning a blind eye to people who deliberately destroy tourism sites and heritage,” the message stated.
Former Kampala Lord Mayor contender Beatrice Nambi Mao encouraged the contestants to remain committed to promoting and defending their cultural identity.
“You should never get tired of fighting for and promoting your culture,” she advised.
The Chairperson of Butambala District, Rashida Namboowa, also used the event to appeal to the government to support women in the district to access funds under the GROW programme.
Meanwhile, the head of the tourism body in the Buganda Kingdom, Najibu Nsubuga, said that previously the competitions only involved girls, but this year organizers have introduced a similar programme for boys.
“In the past, the competitions have mainly involved girls, but this year we have also introduced a similar programme for boys,” he said.
He added that this year’s focus will also include training participants on how to use modern technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“This year we are also focusing on equipping the participants with skills in the use of modern technology, including AI,” he added