Ms Ruth Mugabi recently represented Uganda at the Miss Culture International 2025 Pageant where she emerged runner up and also won the best national costume category. She became the first Ugandan and African on that stage. She spoke to Karibu Travel Magazine about her experience.
1. Tell us briefly about yourself?
My name is Sanyu Ruth Mugabi, a 24 -year-old proud Ugandan, artist, teacher, pioneer Ruz Creative Hub and cultural ambassador. I am passionate about art, education, and the preservation of African heritage, and I use platforms like pageantry to celebrate the richness of our culture.
2. What inspired you to enter beauty contests?
Growing up I loved the spotlight, and modeling was one of the things I adored so much, bringing out the best version of my self, but I never got the chance to do it until I turned 20 years and I made a decision to pursue my passion and not letting the people around me decide and influence how I should live my life.
I started with runway modeling as a way to challenge myself and grow in confidence.
But over time, I realized pageantry is a space I would be comfortable because it is more than just beauty, it is space that allows you to speak from your heart and everyone will listen and not judge. A platform to represent values, inspire others, and advocate for the causes I believe in.
3. And what exactly influenced you to participate in cultural pageants?
I started off my journey with Miss Tourism in particular I was representing Buganda Kingdom. The more I engaged in the different cultural experiences is the more I felt deeply connected to it. It was also a way of exploring and expressing my creativity as an artist.
This makes cultural pageants feel deeply personal to me, allowing me to tell the story of where I come from. As someone rooted in Ugandan traditions, I represent the beauty, diversity, and dignity of my people and bring our stories to a global stage.
4. Tell us about your experience in the recent Miss Culture International.
My experience has been extraordinarily amazing. From the moment I arrived, I was embraced with love, treated with kindness and respected.
It has truly been transformative, from connecting with delegates from across the world to showcasing my heritage through costume and art, every moment was unforgettable. Being honored as 1st Runner-Up and Best National Costume was not just a win for me, but for Uganda and Africa. It was emotional and empowering.
5. You made the country proud, many would say. What are you most proud of on a personal level?
I’m proud that I stayed true to myself and represented Uganda authentically. I poured my heart into every detail, from my performance to my costume and seeing it resonate globally filled me with joy. It also made history as I became the first Ugandan and African to reach this milestone at Miss Culture International.
6. What are your plans after this particular contest?
I plan to continue using my platform through my initiative the Ruz Creative Hub to promote cultural awareness, especially among the youth. I want to expand my art and educational projects, and engage more in community outreaches that connects culture, art, and empowerment.
7. Do you have some planned projects in the future? What are they?
Yes, I’m planning to work on a cultural art series that celebrates Ugandan heritage through visual storytelling. I also aim to initiate youth mentorship programs through their schools that use art and cultural expression to build confidence and identity among the young generation.
8. What are your general views on cultural tourism in Uganda?
Uganda is a cultural goldmine. Our dances, languages, crafts, traditions are unique and powerful. Cultural tourism has massive potential to contribute to the economy while preserving our identity. With more investment and structured promotion, it can truly thrive.
9. What do you think authorities can do to promote and preserve our different cultures?
I think that the authorities should pay maximum attention to investing in cultural education, supporting local artists and artisans, and documenting indigenous knowledge and traditions.
Creating inclusive platforms where communities can showcase their heritage will also boost pride and continuity like joint cultural festivals.
10. What advice would you give to girls who have a dream that you seem to be living?
I would send this message to not only young girls but also to everyone that will read this.
Believe in your story, stay authentic, stay grounded, and never be afraid to take up space. Your background, your culture, your uniqueness that’s your power. Keep working on yourself, seek for the different opportunities and trust God’s timing.
11. Anything else?
Yes, this journey has taught me to give thanks in every situation, even in the times when the storm seems like it will not calm down just stay thankful and that we may have our plans laid out but God has always had our plans drawn out and in the right time everything just falls in place.
Lastly, we don’t just represent ourselves, but generations. I carried my culture with pride, and I hope my story encourages others to embrace theirs too. The legacy of Uganda has been made significant in Medan Indonesia, and this is just the beginning.
