The International University of East Africa (IUEA) has finally welcomed a new queen and king after a 3-year lull due to COVID-19.
In a glamorous Mr. & Miss. IUEA event celebrated under the theme “Experience Togetherness, Thrive in Proximity,”
The event, which was organized by the IUEA 8th guild cabinet currently under the leadership of H.E. Mubembe Nathan, was graced by a number of notable personalities, including Miss University Africa 2021, Queen Ibrahim Adar Yusuf as the chief guest, Prof. Emeka Akaezuwa, the IUEA Vice Chancellor, Mr. Hassan Alwi, the IUEA resident director, and invited guests from different Ugandan universities.
The Mr. and Miss IUEA event is an annual beauty contest held in the IUEA auditorium where male and female students come together to represent their nations by showcasing their culture, talents, and creativity. The winners not only walk away with the crown but also a full IUEA scholarship. The first edition of Mr and Miss IUEA was held in 2015, and this year’s edition comes in as the 6th edition.
Unlike the previous Mr and Miss IUEA editions, this year the participants did not showcase swimwear. This was to encourage participation by everyone, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds.
However, the contestants still went through a tough selection process, starting with the auditions, displaying their cultural wear, formal wear, dinner wear, creative wear, ballroom wear, and a Question and Answer session.
Apart from the contestants, a number of top Ugandan artists like Laika and Banina also graced the stage with energetic performances that kept everyone awake and entertained regardless of the long night. Talented IUEA student artists including Xcript, Rkid, and Black Queen, among others, were also given a chance to rock the stage and entertain the guests.
This year’s grand finale saw all contestants performing their best to impress judges and the excited audience, which had packed the auditorium to cheer and support their favourites.
Award-winning model and activist for children with disabilities, Fenando Kamugisha, was the chief judge.
The crowns were presented by outgoing Mr. and Miss IUEA 2019, Queen Maria Nakiranda, and Andrew Busobozi, who represented 2019 King Benjamin Ssemujju.
Sponsors such as Nasimbwa Fashion, Tersus, and Zuri Hair also blessed the winners, Herman and Ruth, with their products.
Herman Kanut is a 26-year-old Tanzanian who is currently in his third year pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering. He looks forward to strengthening unity among IUEA students.
“This title means a lot; I must endure my leadership skills and represent my university locally and internationally. I hope to promote cultural integration and awareness among students; this will strengthen the unity and make a difference for the future generation.”
– Says King Herman Kanut.
Whereas Ruth Hills Namirembe is an 18-year-old Ugandan currently pursuing a Bachelor of Law in her first year. Queen Ruth expressed how grateful she was for the crown, promising to use her position for a positive change at IUEA.
“I am happy and excited to serve the IUEA community, and I hope to use my title to achieve my goal of a zero-waste IUEA, a more sustainable IUEA,”
– said Queen Ruth Hills Namirembe.
Other outstanding contestants of the night walked away with awards in various categories, as listed below:
Mr and Miss IUEA 2022 Top Runners-Up;
- Tiir John- Mr IUEA 2022/2023, 2nd Runners Up
- Dulex Lodu- Mr IUEA 2022/2023, 1st Runners Up
- Samantha Bethel- Miss IUEA 2022/2023, 1st Runners Up
- Grace Mawan- Miss IUEA 2022/2023, 2nd Runners Up.
Other categories;
- Abdul Rehman- Mr Popularity IUEA 2022/2023
- Masika Justine- Miss Popularity IUEA 2022/2023
- Grace Mawan- Top female model IUEA 2022/2023
- Junior Kawaya Muhindo- Top male model IUEA 2022/2023
- Bitingo Josaphat- Mr personality IUEA 2022/2023
- Tete Emmanuella-Miss Personality IUEA 2022/2023
- Zakaria Abdinasir Aden- Mr Photogenic IUEA 2022/2023
- Shammah Karuyonga- Miss Photogenic IUEA 2022/2023
- Constantine Kagu- Mr Togetherness IUEA 2022/2023
- Winnie Alfadil Amal Akol- Miss Togetherness IUEA 2022/2023
- Emmanuella Keji Darius- Miss Congeniality IUEA 2022/2023
By: IUEA Connect
The International University of East Africa (IUEA) is one of the most reputed private universities in Africa. It offers affordable quality education to students from all around the world who wish to pursue their dreams in a calm and diverse social atmosphere.
With up to three Intakes a year, IUEA Admissions for January Intake is already open.
