KAMPALA – Church of Uganda Archbishop Stanley Ntagali has added his voice to those condemning the Miss Curvy Uganda beauty contest, describing it as a shame as a disgusting display of exploitation of women.
A day after Ethics minister Fr Simon Lokodo described the pageant as a disgrace to the country, Archbishop Ntagali on Thursday said it undermines the dignity of women and urged its organisers to cancel it.
“As Archbishop and on behalf of the entire Church of Uganda, we condemn the proposed Miss Curvy Uganda beauty pageant and urge the sponsors and partners to cancel it. It undermines the dignity of women and all that we as a church have worked for to advance girl-child education and opportunities for women to take their part in contributing fully to our national and family development,” Archbishop Ntagali said in a statement released on Thursday morning.
“It is a disgusting display of exploitation and brings shame upon our families and our country. The government is promoting trafficking to increase tourism. To present such a programme is to demonstrate how low we have fallen as a country. We cannot accept it and we insist that It be cancelled,” he added.
On Tuesday, Tourism minister Godfrey Kiwanda headlined the launch of the pageant at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.
Mr Kiwanda said the beauty pageant was launched to select “sexy curvaceous” women and the finalists will be selected in June.
“We have naturally endowed nice looking women that are amazing to look at. Why don’t we use these people as a strategy to promote our tourism industry?” he said.
Lead organiser Ann Mungoma, believes that when these ladies flaunt their well-curved bodies, it will enhance the visibility and appreciation of Ugandan people.
“Miss Curvy is an event that will bring out the endowment of the real African woman. It is an exceptional event that will see young ladies showcase their beautiful curves and intellect,” she said The only strict rule is that only women aged 18 and below 35 are eligible to participate.
However, the pageant has attracted local and international condemnation and praise in equal measure.
