Miss Earth launches in Uganda

The first edition for Miss Earth Uganda 2015, (MEU), has been launched.

MEU is a beauty pageant that aims at promoting environmental awareness, and empowering young women with knowledge on environmental protection. Victoria Nabagereka, the pageant director, said contestants will be selected through an audition process that will be carried out in 25 districts.

The organizers are optimistic that by August the auditions will be complete, and with the 25 girls they will have a definite winner.

“Currently, the environment is rapidly undergoing thorough degradation, encroaching on wetlands [and] forest reserves; through the pageant, we want to set standards for beauties who understand the environment,”Nabagereka said during the launch at

Hotel Africana on February 26. “We are looking for a girl to be an ambassador for the nature and culture of Uganda. This is a good platform for the girls to get exposure and experience.”

The organizers said this year’s theme will be ‘Beauties For A Cause’, their cause being a focus on activities that promote the protection of the environment such as greening and recycling, among others. The winner will receive a brand new car, an allowance, apartment and will participate in all Miss Earth activities. She will also get a trip to the Miss Earth 2015 pageant in the Philippines.

Selection

The organizers say they will start with 25 districts and since the pageant is district-based, they will closely work with local officials and council chairpersons, together with pageant delegates and MEU district delegates.

“At district level, competitions will be carried out to ensure that each of the participating candidates are not only beautiful but also environmentally- informed,” Nabagereka said.

The evaluators will come from National Forestry Authority and National Environmental Management Authority (Nema). According to Gilbert Kadilo, the communications and PR manager at NFA, the authority will provide technical advice and guidance.

“This is a springboard and we expect this to translate into skills and hearts that will love and protect the environment,” he said.

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