Former Miss Tanzania Millen Magese. COURTESY PHOTO
Memories of the deadly boat cruise that killed scores of Ugandans might be fast being replaced by more jovial thoughts like Quiin Abenakyo being crowned Miss World Africa, but the warnings it gave many in not only Uganda but the rest of the Africa still stand.
‘How we made it out alive’ – deadly boat cruise survivors speak out
It was no surprise when the now infamous boat cruise was mentioned at the Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards (ASFAS) held last week at Kampala Serena Hotel.
LIfe jackets come in different sizes and colours. COURTESY PHOTO
Despite the mind-blowing fashion statements and music performances, the whole of Serena’s Victoria Hall shared in a deathly silence, when former Miss Tanzania Millen Magese shared a story about a boat cruise tragedy that claimed many of her friends in Tanzania.
Ms Magese’s grief resonated with many fashionistas who are also still mourning the loss of Chuck Brian Salvator, a celebrity stylist and constant supporter of the ASFAs previous editions, who also perished in the Lake Victoria Boat Cruise incident.
It was against this background that Ms Magese relayed that she has launched a campaign to donate life jackets to major landing sites in Tanzania and Uganda. She announced that Brian Ahumuza of the ASFAs will be coming on board to support the cause.
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“Together, we are going to rally fellow celebrities, and sensitize them about the need for life jackets. We hope that they will come on board and contribute to the campaign in whatever way they can. We shall then take these life jackets to landing sites so that people who are going to use water transport can access them,” the supermodel who is also the first recipient of the BET International Good Award said.
Iryn Namubiru and Micheal Kaddu pose for a picture before the boat capsized. They both wore life jackets and survived. COURTESY PHOTO
Who is Millen Magese
Millen Magese won the Miss Tanzania beauty pageant in 2001.
In 2015, Millen was honored as the first recipient of the BET International Good Award.
The award was established to honor celebrities who have made humanitarian efforts to positively impact change and raise awareness in the developing world.