Italian-Ugandan MICHELA AMATO, 13, recently won the Little Miss Global Award 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
She won numerous other accolades at the pageant, including darling of the crowd, best national costume, and the global youth philanthropy award.
She was also Little Miss Uganda 2023 and participated in the Little Mister and Little Miss Africa. The lanky teenager recently sat down for an interview with Quick Talk to tell her story and journey to Little Miss Global. [She is dressed in a linen blouse and pink pants with neat hair for the interview]
Congratulations upon being crowned Little Miss Global!
Thank you, Quick Talk!
Tell Quick Talk about yourself…
My name is Michela Amato and I am 13 years old.
The first Ugandan to win this competition. Wow!
At the time no amount of words could describe the joy and happiness I felt, but to me it was such a big honour in that I was the first Ugandan to participate on such a big stage and I won, despite the competition having people from various parts of the world.
I remember that my mum [Betty Katusiime] was overjoyed when she saw me being crowned and my dad was so proud of me duetothe fact that I won the pageant [she speaks so calmly!]
You look really tall. Do you get lots of comments that you are too tall to be a thirteen-year-old?
Yes. Some people say I look older than my age [she is already 163cm tall], but I don’t really mind about what they have to say [she laughs].
Has participating in beauty pageants always been a dream?
My childhood dream has always been being an architect just like my father and I remember I used to draw and practice the different house designs I have in mind, but then I stumbled into the world of pageantry and I told myself, let me give it a try.
I did it and it turned out well and I decided to keep on going, enjoying the thrill that the pageantry world brings [Well, the beauty of doing that at 13! The ‘childhood’ dream is not yet dead].
What inspired you to participate in these pageants?
My inspiration was primarily based on the confidence I saw the different girls exhibit in pageants like Miss Universe, Miss Uganda, Kids and Teens Pageant Global and Miss Petite.
I was always amazed by the confidence and charisma these girls always showed, which gave me the zeal and desire to participate in the Kids and Teens Pageant Global.
Was the Kids and Teens Pageant Global the first you participated in?
Not really; I did participate in the Little Miss Uganda pageant which I won, I also participated in Little Mister and Little Miss Africa which I lost and I thank God it happened because it gave me the opportunity to participate in the Kids and Teens Pageant Global.
Could you describe how it felt participating in the Kids and Teens Pageant Global?
I really saw lots of differences in the way we train and I realized that the other competitors were training so hard in regards to their walk and confidence, though in Uganda we train mostly in regards to the beauty and the brains.
I knew that I would not be as confident as they were; my walk wouldn’t be as nice as theirs and sometimes I would see them walk and I would always say oh wow, but it gave me the push I needed to perfect my walk and confidence.
What were your most memorable moments in Malaysia?
My best moments during the Little Miss Global pageant was meeting new people. I had never met people from Malaysia, Laos and countries like Philippines, and this made me feel happy, in that I made new friends.
How did winning the pageant change your perspective about life?
The pageant really changed my perspective about life; it gave me the privilege to represent Uganda at the global stage and it made me have the zeal of working hard, because I knew that very many people all over the world are looking up to me in all that I do, which made me do all that I had to do really well.
You do a lot of charity work through the Amato Foundation…
Yes, the Amato Foundation is an organization I formed to enable children develop their talents and achieve their dreams.
Did your classmates see you differently after you won?
When I returned to Uganda after winning the Little Miss Global pageant, I didn’t tell anyone at school [she goes to Kabojja International School] until my mum told one of her friends at my school and the whole school got to know. Most of the people at school congratulated me but some stayed away.
Do you see yourself building on your dream to become an architect, or will it be modeling, going forward?
I view pageantry as something hard, though to some people it is easy. I would love to be a model for people’s clothes but also I see myself working towards building up a career in architecture, designing houses and buildings.
Which top model inspires?
I am inspired by Anok Yai, a South Sudanese model with Victoria Secrets. I really love the way she has promoted African culture through her work as a model, and it really inspires me.
What do you do for fun besides modelling?
I love reading books, listening to music and watching movies, plus playing with my beautiful Labrador puppies.
What aspects about Uganda do you love sharing with the world?
I love our food and cultural dances like the Kiganda dance, which I feel the whole word needs to see.
What advice would you give to girls who look up to you?
I would advise them to follow their hearts’ desires and keep away from people who give off negative energy.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My dad, Enzo Amato, is my biggest inspiration based on the fact that he is always there when I need him and he ensures I get everything I need. My mum too is my biggest inspiration; she is always there when I need her, she prays for me and she is my best friend.
What quote is your biggest encouragement?
With God, everything is possible! I love this quote based on the fact that if it wasn’t for God, I believe, I wouldn’t be the reigning Little Miss Global.
