Miss Uganda 2013 Grande Finale is slated for this Saturday 13th July. While 22 girls are grueling to win this crown, one girl believes that all it takes to win is just being true to who you are. Phionah Bizzu has been the Miss Uganda 2012/13 a role that has seen her grow from an ordinary girl to a woman. Her reign has been a successful one with a number of projects to her name. Here she tells us why she feels that she’s the most extra ordinary Miss Uganda ever.
The crown goes this Saturday. How much are you going to miss it?
Definitely I’m going to miss it. Who wouldn’t? It has been a very adventurous experience. I would do it all over again if given chance to.
So how has it been, please share with us.
This reign has been full of lessons and learning experiences. Many people claimed that I did not deserve it but I learned that you can only be tough to manage being in the spotlight. I’m a better person now as I stand as an inspiration to so many young girls out there. It’s a great feeling.
What has the crown changed about you?
My lifestyle has changed completely. I’m always in the public eye. This has has kept me away from my friends since I have less free time. However all that will change this Saturday when I’ll be set free. My girls should get ready for me. On the positive side I’m a better person, stronger and tougher.
I’ve also changed my perception of life. Many people expected that I would change my personality into a diva of sort. I’ve kept to who I am.
You were 19 years old when you took the crown, what was your guardian’s take on this?
My guardian was okay with it. I was over 18 years, I was done with secondary school and was an adult. However, he wasn’t happy when I put school on hold. Every parent would never happy when their son or daughter drops out school.
Why did you drop out of school?
My schedule had become hectic. It’s not that I couldn’t handle, but handling the two was becoming tough. Almost all the events I attend end past midnight and so that is the only time I could use to do school assignments and research. I would be left with no time to sleep or relax. I did not want to fail at any of the two. My decision was to put school on hold.
I’ll be going back later this year. However my view on education has totally changed.
Why has it changed? Do you want to skip school?
Our education system is good but not the best. I wouldn’t have achieved what I did when I was at boot camp while in school. Our schools do not offer more than what the syllabus has. I was doing International Business but I feel I can be a better Ugandan when I offer medicine. If all goes well I’ll be enrolling into medical school instead of business.
That is a tough one. Amongst the many projects you’ve done which one are you most passionate about?
I was on the Teenage Street mothers project where we got young girls off the streets and empowered them to be self reliant. We met 13 teenage mothers who were living in a shack in one of Kampala’s suburbs. These would sleep under one roof after paying Shs. 1000. The sight of their shack would make you cry and the state the health of their kids would make you weep.
We talked to these girls and empowered them to start up projects that would earn them some income as opposed to sitting on the streets and begging. They later left and started a new life.
Please tell us about Miss World. How was it representing your country?
Miss World is another unforgettable experience. It was a fun and equally heart warming representing my country. I met amazing people from around the world. The best part was carrying the Ugandan flag and being called by my country name Uganda.
I know girls and drama cannot live apart. Any drama at the Miss World that you wouldn’t mind sharing…
AAhh there was a lot of drama. Girls were fighting for attention from international press. Others were crying over God knows what. I assume it was the tension of being surrounded by so many beautiful girls. One girl tried to tease us because we were black but she was put back in her place by Miss Jamaica.
What next after Miss Uganda?
I’m still going to keep doing my projects. I feel that amongst all the former Ugandan beauty queens, I’m the only one who has done the projects that are most attached to youth and young people. I’m extraordinary. I’ll be going back to school as well.
What advise do you give the 22 finalists who are vying for the crown you have?
They should be true to who they are and use all they’ve learned from boot camp. The rest comes naturally. When you are nervous it shows and resonates into how you walk and express yourself. Good luck to all of them.
What are the most important beauty tips you’ve learned during this time?
I did not care so much about my skin before. It is a must for every woman to keep her skin glowing. It is important to eat well, drink a lot water of water and work out in pursuit of this. Make Up can make or break your look. One should know what works them. I’ve become obsessed with make up lately. It’s an art that I love to do. I’m now part of the Miss Uganda Beauty team.
What is your take on Uganda’s fashion industry?
I love the fact that designers are now embracing couture. Gone are the days when designers only made ready to wear designs. The industry is really growing. Its now evident that if anyone is planning to join it, they should be ready for some good competition.
Who is your favorite Ugandan fashion designer?
I love Xenson. He’s really creative and knows how to flatter a woman’s body. This has to be obvious but I also respect House of Zirian. They are on top of their game.
Who is your ideal man?
I’m not dating till I find the kind of man who appreciates me as Phionah not as Miss Uganda or former Miss Uganda. One who is generous with his time. I hate shady people. He should also be God fearing.
Last word to young women out there.
We are so vulnerable. Our strength should come from above our shoulders not below our waists.
Photos: Giulio Molfese/ Photo4Fashion
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