

Nabukonde Kiyayi Ruokaya New Miss Tourism Uganda Queen
In a spectacular competition held at Serena Hotel, Sironko’s own Nabukonde Kiyayi Ruokaya secured the prestigious title of Miss Tourism Uganda 2023. This remarkable event, themed “Greening Tourism,” showcased the beauty and talents of contestants from across Uganda and took place on September 9th, 2023.
At just 19 years old, Nabukonde, representing the Eastern region, emerged as a symbol of hope for sustainable tourism and women’s empowerment in all sectors of society. Her motivation to compete was rooted in her passion for advocating greener tourism practices.
In a fiercely contested finale, Nabukonde outshone Apero Martha from Karamoja, who earned the first runner-up position, and Akello Mary from the Teso region, proudly claiming the second runner-up title.
The winners received a multitude of accolades and incentives in recognition of their outstanding performance. Nabukonde was awarded a plot of land with a title, generously provided by Three Ways Property Consultants. Additionally, she received a round-trip air ticket to Dubai from Uganda Airlines, a year-long subscription to Platinum Wellness SPA, and a scholarship from DAS Aviation.
Apero, the first runner-up, received a return ticket to Mombasa from Uganda Airlines and a six-month subscription to Platinum Wellness SPA. Akello Mary, the second runner-up, was granted a three-month subscription to the same wellness haven.
During the event, Minister of ICT and National Guidance Hon. Chris Baryomunsi reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening the tourism sector, encouraging Ugandans to explore the country’s diverse range of tourist sites.

In her gracious acceptance speech, Nabukonde attributed her victory to her extensive knowledge of Uganda’s diverse tourism destinations, driven by her unyielding work ethic and unwavering faith.
She pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to elevate Uganda’s tourism sector to new heights, saying, “I emerged victorious due to my extensive knowledge and comprehensive understanding of all tourism destinations and related matters in Uganda. I am committed to collaborating closely with pertinent stakeholders to advance the tourism sector in this country.”
Sandra Nguna, the spokesperson for Miss Tourism Uganda, emphasized the extensive training provided to the winners, which encompasses essential aspects of wildlife and tourism. She called for continued support for beauty pageants, highlighting how they empower contestants with newfound confidence.
Following her momentous win, Nabukonde will represent Uganda in the upcoming Miss Tourism International Competitions scheduled for November in Malaysia.
The 2023 edition of Miss Tourism Uganda celebrates the pageant’s 11th anniversary, underscoring its remarkable growth and success over the years.