Karamojong beauty crowned Miss Tourism

Miss tourism 2017/2018 Elma Challa Kapel (centre) pose for a photo with 1st runner-up Ms Getrude Amuge (left) and 2nd runner-up Ms Anita Ayebare (right) at Serena at the weekend. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI

About a week back, Challa Elma Kapel was an ordinary girl living her life away from the limelight. But that changed after the 19-year-old was crowned as Miss Tourism 2017/18 last Saturday at a glamorous event at Kampala Serena hotel.

She replaced Eildad Epiaka Odongkara who held the crown from 2016/17.

Kapel who hails from Karamoja region is a first year student at Ndejje University pursuing a diploma in Social Works and Social administration.

Miss tourism 2017 Elma Challa Kapel from Karamoja inside the car that was given to her after winning the pageant at Serena hotel over the weekend. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI

She stood out from the 11 other finalists because of her graceful nature and the in-depth knowledge she portrayed while answering the different tourism related questions asked by the judges.

What many people may not know is that Kapel is a daughter to Esther Anyakun, the Nakapiripirit woman member of parliament.

Getrude Amuge Olungura, 20, emerged as first runner up. Olungura is from Teso region and a first year student at Makerere University pursuing a Bachelors degree in community psychology.

Irene Ntale entertaining the revellers during the Miss tourism pageant over the weekend. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI

Anita Ayebare, 22, emerged as second runner up. She is from Ankole and holds a bachelor’s degree in ethics and human rights from Makerere University.

The 2017 pageant run under the theme, “Let the pearl shine,” and attracted girls from 36 girls from different regions including Busoga, Teso, Ankole, Bunyoro, Buganda, Tooro, Karamoja, Kigezi, among others.

Miss tourism 2017 Elma Challa Kapel joined by the tourism Minister Ephraim Kamuntu to open her car after being crowned the Queen over the weekend at Serena hotel. Looking on are Radiant officials and family members. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI

They were then taken for boot-camp to receive training and grooming on beauty, etiquette and tourism.  However on October 1, there was elimination that saw only 12 girls making it to the finals.

Kapel walked away with a prize of a BMW mini cooper and will represent Uganda at the Miss Tourism world competition in Malaysia in 2018.

eoluka@ug.nationmedia.com