Meet Phoebe Nekesa, The 21-year-old Podcaster Set to Represent Uganda at Top Model of the World Contest in Egypt

Phoebe Nekesa will represent Uganda at the Top Model of the World, the world’s largest and most prestigious international modeling contest, this month. The model and podcaster describes herself as a tapestry of many things. “I am a model, poet, podcaster, photographer, videographer, daughter, sister, and a firm believer in Jesus Christ,” she tells Satisfashion UG.

She’s the firstborn in a family of three girls hailing from Kira Mulawa in Wakiso district and was educated at Mt St Mary’s College Namagunga for her O levels and King’s College Budo for A level. “Currently, I am hoping to join Law School at Makerere University,” she says.

Nekesa realized early in her life that modeling would be her path as it intersected with all the things she’s passionate about. “From my childhood, I have always been into fashion and photography; trying to find different ways to cultivate a style uniquely my own as well as understand the dynamics included in posing and taking pictures,” she says.

Therefore, it was a no-brainer for her to participate in the Top Model contest when the opportunity arose during her Senior Four vacation. “When asked about what I was interested in doing for the long holiday, I immediately told my parents I wanted to model and my mother connected me to one of the executives of the pageant,” she recalls.

Now that all is set for the big contest in Egypt, Nekesa is thrilled to take her passion to the global stage. Founded in Miami (USA) in 1993, Top Model of the World is the world’s largest and most prestigious international modeling contest. Previous Finales of the event have been held in the cities of Shanghai, Berlin, Miami, Humen, Hong Kong, Sharm El Sheikh, and Cairo. This year’s edition will be held in Egypt. The 2023 edition was won by 26-year-old Mariana Macias Ornelas from Chapala, Mexico.

On representing Uganda at the contest, Nekesa says, “it is a tremendous honor for me. It means being a symbol of my country’s rich culture, diversity, and beauty on an international stage. It signifies the opportunity to showcase the warmth and vibrancy of the Ugandan people, as well as highlighting the natural wonders and talents that our nation possesses.”

Participating in such a global event can be both challenging and nerve-wracking. Nekesa says that she has implemented several strategies to walk away with the title. “Firstly, I have focused on honing my public speaking skills to effectively communicate my passion for Uganda and its values,” she says. “Additionally, I have been working diligently on my physical fitness and poise to exude confidence and grace during the competition. Furthermore, I have been studying Ugandan history, traditions, and current affairs to ensure that I can represent my country with authenticity and knowledge.”

Away from modeling, Nekesa hosts “The InkLives Podcast” where she shares her thoughts about literature as an art form and its ability to impact society. She’s also part of a writer’s collective called “Luwafu Road Press” with which she participates in poetry readings every two months.