OKOOBAH AND MISS TOURISM EAST AFRICA QUEENS DISCOVER UGANDA’S WILD SOUL at UWEC aka ENTEBBE ZOO

What the report says

Miss Tourism East Africa contestants, including Queen Okoobah Shakira Kadama, visited the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in Entebbe on Thursday as part of their preparations for the regional finale scheduled for September 12, 2026, according to Watchdog Uganda. The group toured the facility with guide Benjamin Ndyamuhaki and saw animals such as chimpanzees, giraffes, lions, elephants, rhinos, snakes, ostriches and Ankole cattle.

Watchdog Uganda reported that the visit was designed to give the contestants direct exposure to Uganda’s wildlife and conservation story, rather than relying only on pageant rehearsals and promotional material. Shakira was described as actively documenting the trip, while the guide used the occasion to explain animal behavior and conservation themes in an accessible way. One comparison highlighted in the report contrasted tigers and lions as having different temperaments, which helped turn the tour into an informal learning session.

The article said the outing was part of broader training for the contestants ahead of the finale at Marriott Hotel Kampala, where they have also been taking part in rehearsals and media training. The experience was framed as useful for future tourism ambassadors who will be expected to speak about Uganda’s natural heritage, conservation efforts and cultural identity to local and international audiences.