By Our Reporter
The long awaited Miss Pearl of Africa regional contests kicked off last weekend in Jinja town.
The ceremony was hosted at Jinja Town Hall where renowned comedian Emmah Napoleone and Shadia Bahati played emcees of the night, cracking joke after joke.
Shortly into 8:00pm, the Miss Pearl of Africa Busoga contestants hit the run way. They showcased a panoply of attires. But two ‘wears’ caught the eyes of the audience. The Bikini and Creative wears.
Contestants Jemimah Mbekeka, Evelyn Mugisha, Lisa and Kassana Gorret had entertained. It looked like the pretty Gorret Kasana would take it. And at some point, if it were the crowd that decided, the chubby and full-of-life plus size model, Evelyn Mugisha would be crowned.
Yvonne Grande evoked the biggest applause when she strutted the runway with a bare chest, covered in nothing but sim sim. The revelers screamed their voices hoarse. She was as daring as winners come. But it was going to take more than a dare devil attitude to win this one. The judges, Olivia Nambuya alias Mama Oli, Michael Muramuzi and Mercy had different plans. They were looking for a beauty queen, not a slay queen. So they had to pass on her.
At the end of the night, Yvone was crowned Miss Congeniality, while Evelyne Mugisha scooped the Miss Personality Crown.
After those announcements, legendary vocalist and musician, Sylvia Kyansuti stepped onto stage. She did a number of songs, much to the crowd’s excitement. Before the band hit the stage, and a traditional dance group entertained.
At 10:00pm, the judges had made their decision. And it was that the curvaceous Sharifah Namugabi was the 2nd runner up, while Sarah Tibaleka the 1st runner up, and the graceful Georgina Nabuloli was Miss Pearl Jinja/Busoga. Contest ended shortly after their crowning.