Meet Nabulya Sydney Kavuma, Uganda’s Miss Tourism

Come September 9, 2023 at Kampala Serena hotel, a new Miss Tourism will be crowned. Miss Tourism Uganda is one of the beauty pageants formed to promote the sights and sounds of Uganda.

But is the pageant living up to expectations? NATHAN ATILUK caught up with the current Miss Tourism Uganda, Nabulya Sydney Kavuma, who is waiting to hand over to the next queen. Kavuma talks about success, benefits and some of the challenges she has faced as a public figure.

How would you describe Nabulya Sydney Kavuma?

My name is Nabulya Sydney Kavuma, the reigning Miss Tourism Uganda. I’m a 20-year-old ambitious lady, very passionate about tourism, poetry, public speaking and travelling.

What made you get interested in taking part in these pageants?

I was interested in a platform where a girl child is given the opportunity to expose her talents, natural beauty, creativity, confidence, build self-esteem and, most of all, learn how to work hard and overcome hardships like stiff competition.

Did you think you would emerge as the winner?

One has to have self-belief in order to achieve their goals! And so, I definitely thought I would emerge as the winner.

Who were you before becoming Miss Tourism Uganda?

I was just like any other student at my university who loved participating in school conferences as a speaker because I love public speaking. I have always been with school, my family, and my friends and working hard to implement the projects I desire to put forward.

To whom do you attribute your win?

I attribute my success to God. I believe He is the cause of the great love and support my people showed me.

What has your Miss Tourism journey been like?

My reign has been fruitful. This comes from when I won an international award for best talent in Malaysia and had to visit a
lot of places at free cost. I made good connections with a lot of important people and empowered more females to come up for pageants like this!

What was your most trying time?

Being in a foreign country on my own was so challenging! I felt homesick; the change in seasons and food. I always called home to get reassurance that I could make it.

How have you used your position to improve the tourism industry?

I have spread the news about the beauty of Uganda internationally. This is evident when I recited a poem about the beauty of Uganda and I won an award for it!

I have also engaged in tourism campaigns and most importantly, I’m soon launching a cultural tourism event to spread awareness about our beautiful cultures.

Which people have been most supporting?

I credit Nusfa Nabasiita, area councilor of Bugolobi parish who spotted, encouraged and supported me throughout this pageant journey; I also credit my family, the MUBS fraternity, Buganda kingdom people, Miss Tourism Uganda Queens & Management, and my friends for the continuous support.

What challenges have dogged your reign?

I have faced a lot of challenges but the most difficult one was balancing my education with tourism duties, which call for a lot of time.

Tell me about your educational background…

I went to White Angels Masajja, then proceeded to Global Junior School Mukono, which gave me support in my talents like debate, girls’ football, dancing and athletics.

I later proceeded to St Mary’s SS Kitende for O-level and A-levels. I am currently at Makerere University Business School Nakawa, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Business.

What are your final words for the youth?

The only impossible journey is one you choose not to begin. We all have our desires and levels we want to reach. It takes God, action, courage, confidence, and consistency to get there. Don’t sit on your talents, creativity and beauty. Once [opportunities] come your way, grab them. You will definitely be like me, or even better.

atilunathan@gmail.com