Praise Akankwatsa, a finalist journalism student at Makerere University, was selected as Miss Uganda 2005/2006 on Saturday and will represent Uganda at the Miss World contest in China in November, according to a local report on Sunday.

Ms. Akankwatsa, 22, beat 14 other girls to the crown in a tight contest held on Saturday in Kampala.

At 5 feet 7 inches, she stood taller than most contestants and was confident, articulate and bright. She takes over from 20-year- old Barbara Kimbugwe.

Akankwatsa, who loves swimming, modeling and doing charity work and is a part-time model with Downtown Models, said she is capable of winning the world title.

"They are girls like me so why can't I be Miss World?" Akankwatsa said after winning the title of Miss Uganda.

Ms. Esther Mukasa, 21, a development studies student at Makerere University, was the first runner-up while Ms. Beatrice Kabajungu, 23, an arts student, also from Makerere University, rounded out the top three spots.

The top two girls will go in camp for one month at Speke Resort Munyonyo near Kampala and will be groomed by Tiner School of Beauty.

Akankwatsa will be unveiled to the public on October 24.

Source: Xinhua