By Tuhairwe Joab
Stella Nantubwe was crowned Miss Uganda this year amidst a huge crowd at Serena Hotel in Kampala and she won keys to her Benz. However, to almost every on looker’s surprise, the Benz refused to start on the keys she was given. Anyways, BigEyeUg’s Tuhairwe Joab was able to catch up with her in an exclusive interview. With her, she carried a 6 months baby called Joy that she adopted from God’s Grace Orphanage in Kyebando Nsooba.
Qn. Tell us about yourself, who is Stella Nantumbwe?
I’m 22 years old. I was Born in Mityana and raised in Makindye in a family of 12 people as a second last borne of all and last borne of the girls. As a young girl like any other, I loved my dolls and acting like a princess despite much love for being a tom boy. It was difficult to tell what I wanted to be, whether a girl or a boy because I used to play with boys, ride with them until that day when I was racing with them on a bike and I fell on my butt. I vowed not to race again.
Qn. What is your education background?
Went to Nakasero for my nursery and later joined Buganda road Primary school till primary 3. I went to Kabojja Junior School for the rest of my primary school.
I went to Kabojja Sec. School for my O level and later joined Vienna College Namugongo for A-level. I had to fly to UK for my University at University of Greenwich and graduated in 2012 and then came back home.
Qn. What inspired you to contest for Miss Uganda 2013?
It was the right time and the team handling the contest themselves seemed extremely serious and I respected them. I was also responding to the urge for the honor to become an ambassador of Uganda.
Qn. Considering the huddles and cradles in the contest, what kept you moving?
It was God. God kept me moving because I really prayed so hard and my goal and mission that I wanted to achieve from the contest.
Qn. So what was your mission for the contest?
I wanted to learn how to relate with other people, how to manage business, team work and managing myself.
Qn. What were some of the challenges that you faced during the contest?
Definitely sports. To become Miss Uganda, you have to be physically fit and this gave me hard time despite persistence. It was always hard for me to wake up at 5am for roadwork.
Qn. So what are some for the tasks ahead of you now that you were crowned Miss Uganda?
There is a lot to chew on my plate. I have a task to represent my gender, my fellow women, youth, my age mates and Uganda everywhere I go. It’s my responsibility to as Miss Uganda to live up to our motto of “beauty for a purpose” therefore will be carrying out charity works and to inspire others not to make them envy me.
Qn. I have spotted you several times at God’s Grace Orphanage in Kyebando, do you often visit others?
God’s Grace Orphanage is my orphanage of choice now because among all the orphanages in Kampala, I found out that God’s Grace is the one in so much need. Children have nowhere to sleep, no class rooms and lack healthy food. It beats my understanding to find a 4 months kid feeding on porridge!
Qn. So what are you planning to do about it?
I will make sure that they get good class rooms, get good food, a play ground and a garden. I will do this by inviting companies and individuals to come on board and reach a hand.
Qn. Away God’s Grace now, how do you personally free your fun side?
Hanging out with friends, watching movies, listening to music and I sleep though not so much, hahaha that’s funny though
Qn. What’s your favorite dish?
I love matooke and fried chicken and fried gonja
Qn. What’s your favorite hangout place?
Should I say I don’t have any? Yes because I depends on who am with and where we are but I can go anywhere for as long as they washrooms are clean.
Qn. What’s your dream car?
Am a range rover lady, fairly red or yellow. I love those weird colors.
