Beauty pageants in Lango promote leadership and tourism awareness

6 April 2026, 2:04 pm

By Baker Okello

Miss Lango, Queen Linda Acio Abong, has encouraged schoolgirls to actively participate in pageantry, emphasising its role in building confidence, improving public speaking skills, and raising awareness of Uganda’s tourism sector among young people.

The Lango queen made these remarks while officiating at the crowning ceremony of Miss Bishop Tarantino College Ngetta and Miss Tourism at Bishop Tarantino College Ngetta on Sunday. She explained that such platforms prepare students to become future ambassadors of sustainable tourism by equipping them with leadership and communication skills.

Queen Acio highlighted that pageant competitions go beyond physical appearance, often requiring contestants to showcase traditional attire, perform cultural dances, and demonstrate knowledge of their heritage—an approach that strengthens cultural identity among the youth. She cautioned students against viewing such contests as mere beauty shows, stressing instead their value in nurturing leadership and moral responsibility among winners.

In the competition, Nyakecho Ritha (Senior Two) was crowned Miss Bishop Tarantino College 2026–2027. Ejang Malliam Marita (Senior One) was named first runner-up, while Apolo Martha (Senior Four) finished as second runner-up.

In the Miss Tourism category, Apio Topista Faith (Senior Five) was crowned the winner, with Acen Daniela Blessing (Senior Three) and Acen Debrah (Senior Two) named first and second runners-up, respectively.

Speaking after her victory, Nyakecho Ritha said she was motivated to enter the contest to advocate for positive change within the school, pledging to enhance its physical environment.

Meanwhile, Miss Tourism winner Topista Faith Apio pledged to promote local tourist sites around Ngetta, including hills, forests, and other natural attractions.

The school’s headteacher, Babra Amoli, encouraged students to participate in co-curricular activities, noting that such involvement helps nurture talent and broadens their exposure to educational opportunities.

Organisers also noted that pageants such as Miss Tourism include training workshops and boot camps focusing on environmental conservation, reproductive health, and entrepreneurship, ensuring that participants acquire well-rounded life skills.