Jolly Mutesi, 19, has been crowned Miss Rwanda 2016 in a colourful ceremony held at Camp Kigali grounds on Saturday evening.
Mutesi, a senior-six graduate from King David High School, who represented the Southern Province in the preliminaries, emerged the topmost contender for the beauty pageant, beating Peace Kwizera to the crown.
Kwizera emerged the first runner-up followed by Vanessa Mpogazi, who emerged second runner-up.
Marie d’Amour Rangira and Sharifa Umuhoza completed the top five in the contest that pitted 15 finalists in the national competition.
Mutesi, who was crowned by Miss Rwanda 2015 Doriane Kundwa, was later handed a brand-new Suzuki Swift worth Rwf15 million, courtesy of Cogebanque, a local bank.
On top of the car, Mutesi will be getting a monthly salary of Rwf800,000, according to the organisers, among other perks.
Mutesi said that, during her reign as Miss Rwanda, she will focus on promoting domestic tourism, especially among the youth, by leveraging the touristic heritage the country is gifted with.
The highlight of the night will remain the biggest support of about 300 people who followed Sharifa Umuhoza from the Northern Province, storming the event in a convoy of several mini-buses in show of support to their own.
Peace Kwizera was announced Miss Photogenic, Sharifa Umuhoza predictably emerged Miss Popularity, Ariane Uwimana as Miss Congeniality while the emotional Jeanne Umutoni became Miss Heritage Rwanda 2016.
Miss Rwanda 2016: Jolly Mutesi
1st Runner-Up: Peace Kwizera
2nd Runner-Up: Vanessa Mpogazi
3rd Runner-Up: Marie d’Amour Rangira
4th Runner-Up: Sharifa Umuhoza
UM– USEKE.RW
