Queen's Affair show to spotlight post-pageant success stories
Yet one question has consistently lingered on our social scene: What happens after the crown?
Former Miss Tourism Uganda 2017 Challa Elma Kapel who is now Youth MP for Northern region is expected to attend the event
Uganda’s beauty pageant industry has crowned hundreds of queens over the years, with the prestigious Miss Uganda competition still leading the way.
Yet one question has consistently lingered on our social scene: What happens after the crown?
That question will take centre stage at the inaugural “Queen’s Affair” show, scheduled for July 25 at Kampala Serena Hotel under the theme, “Beyond the Crown: Women Thriving in Professional, Creative and Business Spaces.”
In the pageantry world, the phrase “former queen” is often discouraged. Instead, many embrace the saying, “Once a queen, always a queen,” reflecting the belief that the crown is only the beginning of a lifelong journey of influence and leadership.
That is why this event, is expected to bring together past and current beauty queens, pageant organisers, industry experts and influential women for an evening of inspiring conversations, networking and recognition. The live podcast session will explore the journeys of these women who have successfully transitioned from pageantry into careers in politics, business, entrepreneurship, media and other professional fields.
The event will conclude with an awards ceremony celebrating women who have made a lasting impact in their communities. The esteemed speakers expected will be the Undersecretary and Senior Private Secretary to Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Irene T. Kauma, gender equality advocate Manuela P. Mulondo and international model scout Joram Muzira.
Among the notable guests expected are Northern Region Youth MP Challa Elma Kapel, Miss Uganda 2013 Stella Nantumbwe, Vurra County MP Lenia Charity, content creator Jean Coprise Akullo, Jemimah Locheng and entrepreneur Aminah Nalubega.
Uganda has enjoyed notable success on the international pageant stage. Miss Uganda 2018 Quinn Abenakyo made history by becoming the first Ugandan to finish in the Top 5 at Miss World, while Harunah Karema recently secured a place in the Top 8 at an international competition, further highlighting the country’s growing pageantry profile. But after that, what happened? Where are these beauties now?
According to organiser Ronah Kisakye, a former Miss Tourism Uganda Busoga Region queen and professional accountant, the event was created to bridge the gap between the glamour of pageantry and the opportunities available after the crown.
“As a beauty queen and coach, I have witnessed the hard work contestants invest in these competitions and the effort pageant owners put into creating platforms for them,” Kisakye says. “But beyond the glitz, I have also seen what beauty queens are capable of when given the right support and guidance.”
She adds that Queen’s Affair aims to inspire young women by showcasing the possibilities that exist beyond pageantry and teaching them how to leverage their platforms to create meaningful and sustainable impact.
More than 20 awards will be presented during the event, while several former queens are expected to return to the runway for a special showcase celebrating their enduring legacy beyond the crown.