Makerere recognises Miss World Africa

Kampala. Authorities at Makerere University yesterday recognised Quiin Abenakyo for winning Miss World Africa crown.
The university gave her a book tilted What After University for being hardworking after she successfully completed her studies despite being in the celebrity world.
She graduated yesterday with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Computing.
Ms Abenakyo, who could not hide her excitement, attributed her success to, among other things, being humble and focused.
“I am the happiest girl today. While at university, I also went through some of the challenges other university students go through but that did not stop me from reading my books. I am glad I am graduating today,” said Ms Abenakyo.

Her journey
Her remarkable performance at the pageant started after she secured a place in the top 30 at the Miss World finals.
This was after beating Miss Argentina in a head-to-head challenge where Abenakyo stated in her presentation that she would use Uganda’s beauty with a purpose to fight teenage pregnancies.
During the finale, when the number of contenders was slashed from 30 to 12, Ms Abenakyo still made it to the list.
She was then crowned Miss World Africa after beating Murielle Ravina (Mauritius) before eventually securing another spot among the top five for the world title.
Ms Alice Kyamulesire, Abenakyo’s mother, could not hold the excitement.
“I kept praying for Quiin and encouraging her (on phone) before the finale that she could do it and I am very happy she has made all of us proud,” the mother said.
Abenakyo’s father too, Mr Charles Sembera, could not conceal his joy.
“I am a very happy man. Quiin has made me proud,” he said.
Overall best student speaks out
The university also recognised Ms Hajarah Namuwaya Ali, 22, from Makerere University Business School (Mubs) as the overall best student.
She was given Shs1m and the book for her outstanding performance. Ms Namuwaya got a first class degree from her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Computing with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.94.
For the fourth time, Mubs has been producing the overall best students. The 22-year-old Namuwaya, whose story begins from Nawangisa Village in Iganga District, attributes her success to research, discussions, being focused and respecting her parents.
She has, however, advised the youth and those still in school to be disciplined and do more of the networking with people.
“It is not all about reading books and passing, class just gives us 2 per cent and the rest is up to us. So we have to do more research, talk to people who can connect you somewhere because your grades will speak for you,” Ms Namuwaya said.