Uganda is the host country of Miss Planet International 2022. It is the second edition of the international beauty pageant founded by Halley Amin and Pedro Francisco.
This marks the first time an international beauty pageant is held in Uganda. The African country is home to Miss World 2018 top 5 finalist Quiin Abenakyo, 26, and Miss International 2019 second runner-up Evelyn Namatovu Karonde, 26.
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Miss Planet International has six core values. These are ending war and violence while promoting peace; embracing multiculturalism; promoting education; ending poverty and promoting ethical economic progress; and supporting clean renewable energy.
A total of 34 countries and territories were represented at the beauty pageant’s first edition at the Koh Pich Theater in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on March 1, 2019. Monique Best of South Africa won the inaugural title.
Runner-up to Best was Marisa Phonthirat of Thailand while the respective second, third, fourth and fifth runners-up were Viviana Lin Winston of Malaysia, Nicole Cano of Paraguay, Krizia Nicole Apao Vargas and Guzaliya Izmailova of Russia. Amid the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Best was not able to crown her successor in 2020 and in 2021.
Over 10,000 people from across the world are expected to attend Miss Planet International contest at Munyonyo Speke Resort in Kampala.
The minister of state for foreign affairs Mr Henry Okello Oryem on Tuesday told journalists in Kampala that Uganda is safe for international activities and tourism despite the Ebola outbreak that has infected more than 90 people and killed at least 28 since it was announced in the country last month.
“Hosting Miss Planet International competitions clearly indicates that the country is safe for any activities be it international in nature. The outbreak Ebola is well managed and we cannot lose such bigger opportunities which are set to boost our tourism industry,” Mr Oryem said.
