We recently attended the Imara Girls Festival 2024 where we met Shamran Kabunga Kigongo, Mr. Uganda 2nd Runner-Up 2024-2025. Mr Uganda is also a segment of Miss Uganda which is meant to address the concerns of leaving the boy child behind. Here is everything the second runner-up of Mr Uganda 2024 told us. We shall cover number 1 and number 3 soon.
Who is Shamran Kabunga Kigongo, Mr. Uganda World 2nd Runner-Up 2024-2025?
I am Shamran Kabunga Kigongo, aka Shakab, “The Brown Model.” I was born on 24th June 2000, and I’m currently the Mr. Uganda 2nd Runner-Up 2024-2025. I am a Ugandan fashion model, sales executive, actor, and brand ambassador. I also founded the Shakab Foundation, which focuses on education mentorship, skills empowerment, youth upliftment, community development, and mental health awareness. My parents are Mr. Salongo Sentamu Siraje and Ms. Nabukeera Rebecca. I come from a family of four boys, and two of my brothers are twins—the last-borns in our family.
Where did Shamran Kabunga Kigongo grow up?
I grew up in a small town called Kibibi. From a young age, I always wanted to be a model and an actor. I loved watching international fashion shows, and my parents supported my dreams. Growing up, I met a friend and mentor, Ntale David, the General Manager at DIVINE BUSHERA. He has been by my side every step of the way, and I consider him my hero. My aunt, Namubiru Christine, has also been a significant influence on my journey, and I pray for blessings upon both of them.
How did Shamran Kabunga Kigongo discover his pageantry talent to become Mr. Uganda 2nd Runner-Up 2024-2025?
I discovered my pageantry talent when I was young. It started with cultural dancing, specifically Maganda, and my teacher noticed my potential. With that encouragement, I began pursuing this path and never looked back. I started as a cashier at Home and Away Hospital. Later, I worked as an attendant at a supermarket before entering the acting world, where my first role was as a supporting actor. After that, I worked with Davreen Investments as a sales executive, and I am now with RimAk Investments Limited in the same role. Eventually, I worked as an intern at Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards ASFAs 2022. That’s how I joined the fashion world and never looked back.
Where did Mr. Uganda 2nd Runner-Up 2024-2025 attain education?
As a child, I went to different schools, and for secondary school, I attended Pride Secondary School. Later, I took a course in fashion and modeling at Purple Skills Clinic Foundation in Bukoto. Now, I’m working toward becoming a stylist. I enjoy modeling, acting, dancing, reading, writing, traveling to new places, taking photos, making videos, cooking, and volunteering. My biggest achievement is being Mr. Uganda World 2nd Runner-Up. I owe this success to surrounding myself with supportive people who believe in me, including brands like Abryanz and Douglas Lwanga.
What It Feels Like to be Mr. Uganda World 2nd Runner-Up
I’m grateful to the Miss Uganda CEO, Miss Brenda Nanyonjo, for the opportunity. Initially, I thought Mr. Uganda was only for bodybuilders, but when the opportunity came, I went for it and achieved the 2nd Runner-Up position. This is a dream come true for me because I want to be a role model and inspire the youth, especially the boy child.
Advice to the Youth
My toughest moment was when I was fighting depression so I think people should follow their goals. To the youth and everyone else, I say: follow your dreams, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t make it. With passion, hard work, consistency, determination, respect, and faith, anything is possible.
