Twice a year, The Miss Uganda North American Association Convention (UNAA) hosts a pageant contest celebrating Ugandan-American women with the mission of providing the betterment and development of Ugandan youth in the Diaspora. The 2012 UNAA pageant was hosted in Philadelphia where four contestants Hasifa, Sheila, Akiiki Crystal and Sharon participated and the former Miss UNAA, Yvette Maliza Kibwika crowned the incoming Miss UNAA Hasifa Meriam Kivumbi. Petronella Lugemwa, a Ugandan-American produced a fashion shoot, showcasing each contestant wearing an outfit representing the fusion of their Ugandan culture and American upbringing. The designs are vibrant and colorful. Enjoy the feature and Happy Independence Day to all of our Ugandan fans!
From the photographer:
“When I moved to the United States at age 10, I didn’t fully celebrate who I was as a Ugandan as part of my desire to quickly assimilate and integrate into the American culture. Today I’m proud to boldly express who I am, especially today Oct 9, Uganda’s Independence Day. The ladies in these Miss UNAA photos have similar stories and embody what it means to fuse together and celebrate Ugandan heritage in a modern yet traditional way. Happy 51st birthday Uganda!” – Petronella Lugemwa
View more of Petronella’s work on her website. Or you can view her Munaluchi Coterie portfolio here.
“As part of the 2012 Philadelphia Uganda North American Association Convention pageant contest, each lady chose an issue close to her heart as part of her platform including building the Ugandan community here in the African diaspora and abroad in Uganda, education and following your dreams.
As the reigning Miss UNAA 2012 -2014 and Miss Face of Africa USA 2013 contestant, Hasifa Meriam Kivumbi’s platform is to increase the individual lifetime achievement among continental Africans through service and scholarship. She is the founder of 180 DegreesTM, a charity organization dedicated to motivating, inspiring and celebrating people. Since becoming
Miss UNAA Miss Kivumbi serves as the spokesperson for the Breast Cancer Initiative of East Africa, an organization that brings preventative care and cancer treatment to women in East Africa. Also, check out her initiative to provide clean water for Uganda. ” – Petronella
“As part of this shoot and pageant, each lady wore an outift that represented the fusion of her Ugandan culture and roots together with her modern American upbringing.
Hasifa Meriam Kivumbi created a simple brown tiered dress with colorful traditional beaded jewelry that expressed who she is as a dancer and lover of life yet showed off her beauty as a Ugandan woman and how she doesn’t need much to look and feel beautiful.
Yvette Maliza Kibwika, the former Miss UNAA, wore a vivid olive green wrapper/shawl, embroidered by hand that was passed down to her by her Ugandan auntie who passed away the same year as her mother, so the garment is a reminder of two remarkable woman and a symbol of her Ugandan heritage.” – Petronella
View the full gallery below
It brings me so much joy to see these ladies & photos! Thank you for sharing them on such a special day. Happy 51st birthday #Uganda!!! xoxo P
This is so beautiful. I love the rich colors and the unique expression of all the young women. Congrats Petronella!