Miss Uganda, Hannah Karema was able to make it to top 8 in the 71st Miss World (2024) contest. The announcement came at 1700 EAT and it blew several Ugandans runway enthusiasts away. Today, we got in touch with the beautiful intelligent supermodel to answer your burning questions. I had an interesting conversation with her and this is exactly how it went on. Enjoy!
Who is Hannah Karema?
I am Hannah Karema, a 21-year-old girl from Kinoni, Nakaseke, born to Mr. Godfrey Karema and the late Jackline Karema. The Karema family was raised in a pastoralist household. I went to Kinoni Primary School, Nakaseke, and completed my secondary school education at Seroma Christian High School. I am waiting to join university after successfully representing Uganda at the Miss World pageant in Mumbai, India.
What was it like for Hannah Karema when she was announced among the top 8 Miss World contestants?
We were very elated on hearing Uganda being selected for the top 40. At top 12, our hearts almost popped out. Then when Hannah made it to top 8, it was pure ecstasy.
What is the notion behind Miss World?
The driving force behind the Miss World Pageant is that Physical beauty alone isn’t enough – it should be coupled with inner qualities that allow you to have a greater purpose beyond just appearances.
The responsibilities are numerous. The Miss World Africa leaders have a uniting role. They create and run a forum that advocates for Africa at Miss World.
What does winning 7th in Miss World Beauty with A Purpose (Africa) mean & does it come with any responsibilities?
For Beauty With A Purpose I was tasked with:
1. Raising awareness and funds for a cause of my choice through public appearances, speeches, interviews, and events.
2. Using my public profile and title to draw attention to the issue or charity I represent.
3. Acting as a spokesperson and embodying the values associated with philanthropic platforms.
4. Inspiring others to get involved and take action on the cause through their advocacy work.
5. Volunteering or participating in hands-on initiatives related to their platform.
6. Serving as a positive role model by exemplifying intelligence, poise, talent and commitment to service alongside physical beauty.
What plots do you have up your sleeve after reaching that high in the Miss World contest?
After Miss World, I will embark on completing the construction of Kinoni Secondary School in Nakaseke, her hometown.
Then I will also do more school and community tours. I will be raising awareness about the role of education in transforming the lives of girls, menstrual health and hygiene with Wells of Life. I will also be rallying people to get their children checked for heart defects and connecting them to sponsors for surgery, then raising awareness about breast cancer. Both these are in conjunction with the Ugandan Consulate in Mumbai. I will also join university this September 2024.
Tell us what Hannah Karema has done so far as Miss Uganda
The Miss Uganda Foundation has undertaken:
1. School outreaches with Reach A Hand Uganda – in the fight against teenage pregnancy. We talk about sexual reproductive health. Confidence building and self worth. In 1 year, 120 schools have been visited.
2. Menstrual health and hygiene outreaches with Wells of Life. 55,000 girls have received menstrual care kits and mental health services and confidence building.
3. Together with MOTIV, we have been able to offer skills in tailoring, hair dressing, make-up, public speaking to 1000 teen mothers and 5000 young women from impoverished backgrounds.
4. We have been able to promote domestic tourism with Breathtaking Uganda. Miss Uganda has so far visited 3 national parks in Uganda.
5. The Miss Uganda Foundation has been involved in promoting the local movie industry. Several Queens were featured in the movie: Sabotage.
Was Hannah Karema selected among the people to feature in a Netflix film?
Information about this is still minimal. The top 8 girls were featured in a trailer promoting this Netflix Bollywood act. I am afraid I don’t have more info on this.
Why did you join the modeling industry?
I was inspired to participate in modeling and pageantry by Joram Muzira and Quinn Abenakyo. From a very young age, I have always admired beauty queens and women who have made a difference in Uganda and worldwide. At about 10 years old, I knew I wanted to make a difference in my community through pageantry.
What was the toughest moment of your entire life?
I am blessed to have a very supportive and loving family. The moments that should have been tough have found me surrounded by friends and family. But I must say, losing my mother at 2 years old has always been tough.
What’s it like competing in the Miss World competition?
Competing at Miss World has been amazing! Having to live with young women from all over the world has given me an opportunity to showcase my culture and the beauty of my country. The competition itself was stiff. In all, I thank the Miss Uganda Foundation for the training and mentorship; the classes were spot-on! The Ugandan delegation from Kampala was aboard Uganda Airlines 18 people. The honorary consul of Uganda in Mumbai and his wife, and the Ugandan High Commissioner were also in attendance.
What is your biggest achievement ever for Hannah Karema?
My biggest achievement ever has been the incredible journey of learning, growth, and discovery that life entails.
What did you go through to get to the top 8 Miss World 2024 contestant?
I went through various levels of competition including sports, talent, Beauty With A Purpose, and the Head to Head challenge. My Beauty With A Purpose project earned me a spot in the top 40. Then I went through to the top 12 and eventually top 8.
Who mentored you through the journey?
My mentorship has been multi-faceted. This has accorded me various mentors and trainers, the head being Janet Nalugya, the Miss Uganda Foundation Programs Director. The team included Brenda Nanyonjo, the CEO of Miss Uganda Foundation, the Academy of Queens – Miss Uganda Queens who have represented Uganda at Miss World, Joram Model Management, Rianne Bateze, and many more.
What brands are you associated with?
I am the Startimes Uganda Ambassador and also the face of Authentic African Fabric – Woodin in Uganda.
Favorite dish, destination, color, outfit, song, and movie.
– Favorite dish: matooke and Gnut sauce
– Destination: Local (Murchison Falls National Park), International (Bali)
– Song: When Jesus says Yes
– Movie: I am currently binging on Ugandan movies – When you Become Me by Humphrey Nabimanya
If you were to wrap up your life in one sentence, what would you tell the younger you?
Embrace every opportunity for growth, stay endlessly curious, and treat each person you encounter with boundless compassion, for those are the keys to a life well-lived.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is not being able to use my platform to bring about change in my community and the world.
Paint for us a picture of what you experienced in India as a Miss World contestant
It is very possible for Uganda to win the Miss World crown. This platform opens up lots of opportunities both for the contestant and the organization. This pageant has proved that we are on the right track. With more support, we shall bring the blue crown home.
What does this achievement mean to you as Hannah Karema?
As a young woman, your dreams are valid and attainable. Work on your confidence, character, knowledge and community projects. All girls are beautiful but national support and preparation are key.
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