Winnie Nduhukire, the Ankole Cattle Queen PHOTOs | JULIUS BYAMUKAMA
Rakai’s Winnie Nduhukire was on Friday crowned the first-ever Ankole cattle queen after winning a contest that started with 20 people and ended with seven finalists.
A contest that was particularly to promote Ankole longhorn cattle tourism saw Nduhukire emerging as a winner which mostly considered knowledge of Ankole cattle heritage (30%), Social Media (30%), Social Interaction (10%), Marketing (10%), Experience in Tourism (10%) and Passion of Ankole Cattle (10%).
The winner was gifted with 6 cows, first runners up Ritah Ataho (Kiruhura) 4 cows, Second Runners up Esther Kyebaze (Kiruhura) 3 cows, and the rest of the finalists one cow each.
During the crowning at Mwesigwa Resort Farm in Kibega Sanga Kiruhura District over the weekend, Queen Nduhukire said she will use the position to promote the traditional culture and heritage of Ankole longhorn cattle.
“I worked for this crown because I have been into the field, I have been going to farms encouraging farmers to love their Ankole longhorn cattle, I love our indigenous cattle and I am passionate about promoting Ankole Cattle tourism in the region,” she said.
She added: “I am a tourist guide basically on promoting and popularising Ankole cattle, I will keep telling farmers about the benefits of rearing indigenous cattle, and I will inspire young girls to have love for our culture as they grow up.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ankole Cattle Queen contest Ms Connie Nanshemeza said the contest was a bit competitive as girls from all southwestern region were contesting.
“I congratulate all the girls who contested, they were all good, and I am so happy and grateful for them reaching the finals. However this is not the end, it’s the beginning, I will keep encouraging them not to give up, and they have to be in the field, move around and explore to know what they will promote. They have to go to different farms and explore different species of cows,” she said.