The newly crowned Miss Tourism of Busoga Kingdom 2024/25 is launching an ambitious initiative to green the Kyabazinga’s land, Busoga. Ann Lisa Kagoya, a 20-year-old Queen, aims to plant over two million trees to ensure the subregion becomes greener.
In an interview with Busoga Today, Kagoya expressed confidence that her reign as Miss Tourism will bring environmental preservation to the forefront, thanks to her focus on climate justice.
The university student emphasized the importance of promoting Busoga through tree planting, stating that her efforts would be successful in this esteemed project.
“My dream as Busoga’s Miss Tourism is to promote my kingdom by ensuring a greener Busoga. I plan to start a tree-planting campaign in public places, especially in schools, hospitals, and along all roads in Busoga,” said Miss Kagoya.
She added that each chiefdom “must” have at least one planted forest, which will be part of her campaign to strengthen environmental protection and preservation.
Kagoya plans to visit various schools to support green clubs, as well as establish these clubs in primary and secondary schools that currently lack them.
“I would like organizations to sponsor my project, and I hope fellow Queens will help me implement it. I also intend to plant grass in some parts of Busoga,” she said.
Born to Mr. Moses Dhikusoka and Ms. Annet Namubiru of Buwoya village in Buwoya sub-county, Bugweri district, Kagoya expressed determination, despite her humble background, that her campaign will succeed.
She emphasized, “My focus is on eco-tourism, which is why my project centers on tree planting.”
Eco-tourism involves responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, support local communities, and provide education. It allows people to experience the natural world while minimizing their environmental impact and contributing to local economies.
Kagoya, an alumna of Queen of Peace Primary School and Busing Secondary School, is currently a first-year student at Kyambogo University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance.
She was crowned Busoga’s Miss Tourism on August 17, during the 2024 Kagulu Rock Climbing Challenge, where the Kyabazinga, HRH William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV, was the chief climber.
Belonging to the “Baise Mukuve” clan in Bugweri chiefdom, Kagoya emerged as the winner in the highly competitive Miss Tourism contest, which featured 15 Queens from all the chiefdoms of Busoga.
The contestants included Fortunate Menya, Ann Lisa Kagoya, Maureen Nawula, Shakirah Atika Nassimbwa, Benitah Mukyala, Jane Martha Kasuswa, Justine Kyegombwa, Hajala Kawala, and Mary Namaganda.
Others were Reina Mariam Mirembe, Faith Lynette Babirye, Shanita Namulondo, Dorcus Namukose, Patience Kisakye, and Sharon Naigaga. Shakirah Atika Nassimbwa of Butembe Chiefdom was named second runner-up, while Jane Martha Kasuswa of Bunha Chiefdom finished as the first runner-up.
Kagoya said her faith played a key role in her victory, along with the support of her friends. She garnered 21,000 votes in the virtual polls that were held for two weeks on the Busoga Kingdom Tourism Ministry’s website.
“Ooh, I almost collapsed. I cried, but I was deeply happy after the MC announced I was the winner,” she added, noting that her family sponsored her throughout the process.
The title of Miss Tourism is awarded based on the contestant’s knowledge of Busoga culture, tourism, and heritage. The Queen’s character, conduct, and integrity also play a significant role in determining the winner.
When asked why she chose Accounting and Finance instead of a tourism-related degree at the university, Kagoya responded, “Both courses are good. Tourism is already in me naturally, and to succeed, I wanted to pair it with Accounting.”
Kagoya is ready to promote Busoga tourism alongside her fellow Queens and stressed the importance of teamwork in implementing her campaign.
“I love teamwork and am ready to work with my Queen Sisters,” she said.
The young Queen told Busoga Today that she also envisions representing Busoga at the national level as Miss Uganda.
“Yes, I am ready for Miss Uganda. Even in the next hour, I could contest if they announced the race, and my goal would still be greening Uganda,” she said.
Kagoya succeeded Mercy Tenywa from Butembe chiefdom, who was Busoga’s Miss Tourism 2023/24.
