Who was crowned Miss Tourism Buganda 2025?
KAMPALA | June 14, 2025 — The grand ballroom of Hotel Africana lit up in vibrant color, rhythm, and celebration on Friday night as Joan Nambaziira, representing Buluuli County, was officially crowned Miss Tourism Buganda 2025.
The high-energy ceremony, which marked the climax of months-long cultural competitions across Buganda’s 16 counties, brought together dignitaries, cultural icons, tourism stakeholders, and cheering supporters from across the kingdom. Under the theme “I Am My Culture”, the event blended fashion, music, poetry, and traditional dance to showcase the richness of Buganda’s heritage.
Nambaziira, who dazzled the panel with her poise, eloquence, deep understanding of Buganda’s traditions, and confident stage presence, emerged victorious among 36 contestants, each representing a unique segment of Buganda’s cultural tapestry.
Her crowning moment came with fanfare, applause, and emotion as she was handed the keys to a brand-new car and adorned with the symbolic sash of Buganda’s cultural ambassador. The victory also secured her a fully-funded cultural trip to London, along with the top four finalists, as part of a global heritage exchange programme.
“This is not just a win for me, but for Buluuli and every girl who has ever dreamed of celebrating where she comes from,” Nambaziira said backstage, fighting back tears.
Top Performers and Final Rankings
While the crown went to Nambaziira, the event also spotlighted other outstanding young women from across the kingdom. Mercy Nabukenya from Kabula County (Ngabi clan) was named first runner-up, with Vanisha Leticia Navvubya from Busujju County taking third place.
All finalists were praised for their dedication, preparation, and heartfelt presentations. Their awards included cultural mentorship, branded recognitions, and participation in kingdom-led tourism campaigns.
Earlier voting results from the public had shown a strong showing by Vanisha Leticia, who garnered over 30,000 votes online, although it was Nambaziira’s live performance and cultural intelligence that ultimately earned her the judges’ top spot.
A Message from Royalty and Cultural Leaders
The evening’s gravitas was amplified by a message from Her Royal Highness Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, delivered by Minister Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko. The Nnaabagereka emphasized the importance of supporting children’s talents from a young age:
“When a child’s talent is identified and supported early, it becomes a life-changing gift—not just for them, but for the nation.”
Buganda’s Minister of Tourism, Dr. Anthony Wamala, echoed that sentiment in his remarks, thanking the participants and promising continued support:
“These programs are grooming future leaders and ambassadors of our culture. We will continue to nurture and walk with them.”
Meanwhile, Omutaka Muteesaasira, speaking on behalf of the Council of Clan Heads, used the platform to call for greater inclusivity in cultural programming, including for boys—stressing the importance of balanced empowerment.
Who Is Joan Nambaziira?
Behind the crown and spotlight is a woman of quiet strength and deep roots.
Joan Nambaziira, a proud daughter of Buluuli County, is the reigning Miss Tourism Buganda 2025, who was crowned on Saturday, June 14, 2025. She hails from a community known for its vibrant storytelling, ancestral reverence, and agricultural resilience. Though only in her early twenties, Joan has carried the identity of her people with dignity and resolve.
She is a student, a public speaker, and a community mobilizer. Those who know her describe her as grounded, focused, and deeply curious about history and tradition. From an early age, she was actively involved in school cultural troupes, later representing her district in regional youth heritage camps.
It was this background—layered in performance, discipline, and cultural fluency—that helped her stand out throughout the Miss Tourism Buganda competition.
The Road to the Crown
Joan’s journey began months earlier during the regional screening stages at the Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board offices in Mengo, where she first competed against representatives from other counties. Her passion for Buganda’s customs and her ability to articulate her views in Luganda and English marked her as a standout early on.
The build-up to the final at Hotel Africana was intense, with weeks of rehearsals, media interviews, and heritage training. Contestants were judged on multiple criteria:
- Cultural knowledge and clan history
- Traditional attire and dance
- Public speaking
- Talent presentations
- Personality and confidence
While she didn’t lead in online popularity polls, Joan’s command of culture and her grounded presence on stage ultimately earned her the judges’ nod.
What Comes Next?
With the crown now hers, Joan Nambaziira steps into a new chapter—not just as a titleholder, but as a living symbol of Buganda’s pride.
She will represent the Kingdom in regional and international events, beginning with the London cultural exchange tour, where she will engage with global tourism networks, diaspora communities, and cultural policymakers.
Back home, she will embark on community outreach campaigns across Buganda—especially focusing on youth mentorship, heritage education, and tourism development. Her role, according to the Buganda Tourism Department, is designed to be “active and ongoing,” not symbolic.
She’s also expected to appear in media campaigns promoting domestic tourism, and to work alongside the Buganda Tourism Board, Ministry of Tourism, and clan heads on initiatives that keep cultural values alive among Uganda’s fast-changing youth.
A Cultural Mission, Not Just a Crown
As the night’s festivities wound down and traditional drums echoed in the Africana ballroom, it was clear that the Miss Tourism Buganda pageant had become something far greater than a beauty contest.
It is now a platform of purpose—empowering young women like Joan to tell their stories, represent their people, and shape the cultural conversation of their generation.
Through her reign, Joan Nambaziira carries the hopes of Buluuli, the blessings of Buganda’s royalty, and the responsibility of representing a heritage that stretches centuries deep.
In her own words:
“I don’t wear this crown for myself. I wear it for every girl who still believes culture matters.”
