Showbizuganda

Tag: Itanda Falls

  • Pictorial: Pomp & glam as Miss Mpangi Jemimah is crowned Miss Tourism Busoga 2025/26 at a spectacular Grand Finale at Itanda Falls

    Pictorial: Pomp & glam as Miss Mpangi Jemimah is crowned Miss Tourism Busoga 2025/26 at a spectacular Grand Finale at Itanda Falls

    Itanda Falls: The roaring waters of Itanda Falls provided a breathtaking backdrop as Busoga Kingdom celebrated one of its most vibrant cultural events of the year: Miss Tourism Busoga 2025/26. The pageant attracted an overwhelming turnout, drawing thousands of kingdom citizens, cultural leaders, government officials, and luminaries from sectors of leadership, entertainment, and heritage.

    This year’s edition stood out for its rich cultural representation. Sixteen contestants, each the top queen from their respective chiefdoms Butembe, Kigulu, Bugabula, Bugweri, Luuka, Bulamogi, Bunhole, Bunha, and Buukoli competed for the coveted crown. Their presence showcased the unity, diversity, and beauty of Busoga’s cultural heritage.

    The atmosphere throughout the day and evening was vibrant and full of energy. Attendees enjoyed a blend of music, dance, cultural showcases, delicious food, and uplifting interactions. Enthusiasm and pride filled the air as each contestant displayed grace, intelligence, and a deep understanding of Busoga’s tourism potential.

    As the sun set over Itanda’s foaming rapids, Miss Mpangi Jemimah from Omwise Muganza clan, representing the Bunha Chiefdom, emerged victorious. At just 23 years old, she carried the night with her exceptional confidence, eloquence, and undeniable charm, earning her the crown of Miss Tourism Busoga 2025/26. The audience erupted in applause as she stepped forward, visibly moved by the overwhelming support.

    She received glowing praise from the Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Owekitibwa Hellen Namutamba, who commended Jemimah’s resilience, determination, and confidence. In her speech, the minister warmly welcomed the new queen to what she described as “the most vibrant and active ministry of the Kingdom.”

    Owekitibwa Namutamba also expressed profound gratitude to the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Minister for East African Affairs, who also serves as Chairperson of the Busoga Tourism Board Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga. She praised her for her unwavering support towards Busoga’s tourism development and her nurturing role in empowering creatives and talents across the region. “She is definitely a mother figure of Busoga,” Namutamba remarked.

    Furthermore, she acknowledged the continued support from the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, thanking him for consistently financing and uplifting the kingdom’s tourism initiatives, including all editions of Miss Tourism Busoga.

    The ceremony reached a momentous highlight as Owekitibwa Hellen Namutamba officially handed over two vehicles that had been promised to the tourism creatives, talents, and the Ministry a generous contribution from Rt. Hon. Alitwala Rebecca Kadaga and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The gesture underscored the government’s deep commitment to promoting culture, talent, and tourism in Busoga.

    The event closed with jubilation, warm celebrations, and a renewed sense of cultural pride. This year’s Miss Tourism Busoga edition left an unforgettable imprint a powerful testament to Busoga’s identity, youth talent, and the kingdom’s growing influence in Uganda’s tourism landscape.

    Miss Tourism Busoga 2025/26 has officially begun her reign and the kingdom couldn’t be more proud.

  • Miss Tourism Busoga contestants share with the elderly in Kagulu community ahead of Grand Finale this Saturday

    Miss Tourism Busoga contestants share with the elderly in Kagulu community ahead of Grand Finale this Saturday

    Contestants for Miss Tourism Busoga Region 2025 spent part of today doing charity work in Kagulu community in Buyende District. The beauties who are vying for the top crown in Busoga reached out to the elderly in Kagulu and donated essentials items.

    They also participated in cleaning homesteads and doing house chores for the elderly people. The exercise works well their theme for tomorrow’s big day ‘Beauty With Cultural Values’.

    “Earlier today, the Miss Tourism Busoga contestants visited the elderly in Kagulu, sharing love, encouragement, and essential items. A beautiful act of kindness in the community,” one of the organizers was quoted saying.

    The Grand Finale for Miss Tourism Busoga Region 2025 is slated for tomorrow at Itanda Falls in Jinja from 6:00pm till late. The Chief Guest will be Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs who also doubles as Kamuli District Woman MP and NRM Flag Bearer for the same seat 2026. She is also the Chairperson of Busoga Tourism Board.

    The Busoga Tourism Culture and Heritage Minister Hon. Hellen Namutamba has called on the general public especially Basoga and all well wishers to turn up in big numbers and support the queens. Entrance to the event is free and there will be lots of entertainment from several Basoga artists.

  • Busoga Minister Hellen Namutamba hails Buyende boys for their creativity

    Busoga Minister Hellen Namutamba hails Buyende boys for their creativity

    Busoga Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister, Hon. Hellen Namutamba, has appreciated the Buyende boys for their creative art of making aircrafts with a dream which might be perfect in future for transportation of tourists at Kagulu Rock.

    He promised to support their project highlighting the need for such ideas to be able to copy up with fast moving world in creatives.

    “The world at the moment sharpness and it is through such that young people can create employment opportunities for themselves,” she said.

    During the tour, Hon. Hellen Namutamba donated essentials to the elderly in the area.

    She revealed that the annual Kagulu Rock Climbing Challenge will not take place this year sighting busy schedule caused by the political climate at the moment across the country. The event has now been pushed to next year probably around July and August.

    Meanwhile the annua Miss Tourism Busoga 2025 grand finale is on at Itanda Falls this Saturday 29th November 2025, starting at 6:00pm with other activities starting earlier.

    First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs who also doubles as Kamuli District Woman MP and Chairperson Busoga Tourism Board, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga expected to be the guest of honor at the glamorous event. The contestants are currently in a residential camp doing rehearsals for the big day.

  • Photos: A Grand Comeback for Smirnoff with Edgy Nyege Nyege Experience

    Photos: A Grand Comeback for Smirnoff with Edgy Nyege Nyege Experience

    The last time Smirnoff was in the news was in August and September of 2019 with the first Malembe Block Party and the Nkozi Fresh Bite Bossa Bash.

    The brand – known for its flavourful variety of drinks – however, made a grand return during the Nyege Nyege Festival at Itanda Falls in Jinja.

    A crew from Kenya showing their edge

    The Smirnoff Nyege Nyege Experience at the festival was lit and draped in the vibrant red of Smirnoff Red Ice and featured a stage and dancefloor area where revellers had ample and picturesque space to enjoy the different sets being played by the lineup of diverse and talented DJs.

    Even the rainmaker joined in the fun at the Smirnoff Nyege Nyege Experience

    DJ KashPro, Mac DJ, DJ Bugy, DJ Virtual, House DJ and Calvin From Bantu Vibes did their thing on the decks so well that at some point, the Smirnoff Experience had pulled more party goers than the Bell Lager and Uganda Waragi stages.

    Friends playing Jenga at the Smirnoff Nyege Nyege Experience

    Also part of the experience was a beach-themed chill area for people to relax and enjoy some intimate group games like Jenga. The MCs – MC Hypeman and MC Casmir – both did an amazing job of giving the crowd the hype needed to party sufficiently.

    Judie Nandekya, Smirnoff’s Brand Manager, said, “As a brand, we tailor our experiences for consumers looking to unleash their free spirit and the essence that gives them an edge in life and as they have a good time. And Nyege Nyege was the perfect opportunity for us to do exactly that for those unafraid to live life with a bit of flavour.”

  • Uganda Waragi Builds Entire Village at Nyege Nyege

    Uganda Waragi Builds Entire Village at Nyege Nyege

    While the Nyege Nyege festival is known to attract thousands of foreigners to enjoy a mixture of both local and international entertainment, this year, the festival’s title sponsor – Uganda Waragi – is building an entire village specially curated to deliver an authentic Ugandan experience.

    The village, dubbed “The Ugandanness” and measuring approximately 1,600 square meters in size – will pay homage to Ugandan lifestyle and culture from cherished local delicacies (e.g. Rolex, Kalo & Luwombo); to famous Ugandan streets (e.g. Bandali Rise) and many more elements throughout the festival, which is happening from 15th – 18th September at Itanda Falls in Jinja.

    Some of the ushers at the Uganda Waragi circle pose for as picture in front of the Wall of Expression during the 2019 edition

    On the entertainment front, the village will feature performances from authentic Ugandan acts like Nilotika, Otim Alpha, Domadana Kadodi Drummers, Nakibembe Xylophone Troupe, Masaka Masaka and more.

    Also performing will be Cindy Sanyu, Pallaso, Navio, and Janzi Band, and these will perform alongside Deejays Selector Jay, Alisha, Naselow, Kampire, Zato and others.

    Speaking to the development, Hillary Baguma, UBL’s Brand Manager Mainstream Spirits, said, “At its core, Nyege Nyege is about bringing people from different walks of life together to celebrate and express themselves authentically, and Uganda Waragi – being the spirit of Uganda – is looking to celebrate the festival’s return with a truly Ugandan experience.”

    This is the first physical edition of Nyege Nyege to be held since 2019, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will inaugurate the festival’s new home at Itanda Falls – which is 5 times bigger than the previous venue and guarantees revellers ample space for fun and adventure with entertainment, visual arts installations and innovative stage designs blending in with the forest, the Nile and the falls.

    Regarding the event logistics, Baguma added that despite the bigger venue size, the organisers – including Talent Africa Group – are working with the relevant security agencies to ensure maximum safety and security for revellers throughout the festival.