WHAT NEXT FOR SHAKIRA OKOOBAH? MISS TOURISM EAST AFRICA FIRST RUNNER-UP SETS HER SIGHTS ON COMMUNITY CHANGE

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that Shakira Okoobah, described as Uganda’s Miss Tourism East Africa first runner-up, is using her regional pageant finish to push a broader community agenda. The article says the results were announced at a colorful event in Kampala on Saturday night, where Zam Zam Godana won the title and Okoobah finished second overall. The competition brought together contestants from across East Africa to highlight beauty, culture, tourism and leadership.

The piece places special emphasis on the response in Busoga, Okoobah’s home region, where supporters reportedly celebrated her achievement as a significant moment for the area. It also notes that the final event took place at the Kampala Marriott Hotel and was organized by Masrob Events. The report identifies Ketty Nabaweesi, Masrob Events’ operations manager, as part of the preparation effort.

According to Watchdog Uganda, Okoobah says the crown is a platform for advocacy rather than a final prize. She is quoted saying she wants to work on community change, environmental conservation and issues affecting the girl child. The article frames her next steps as an opportunity to connect tourism visibility with local development and cultural promotion.

More broadly, the report argues that tourism ambassadors can help tell Uganda’s cultural and environmental story to wider audiences. In that context, Okoobah’s result matters not only as a pageant placing, but as a public platform that could support outreach, education and conservation work if she follows through on her stated goals.