Turn up at the Miss Rwanda auditions is on the rise, as the latest auditions in Huye and Kayonza Districts recorded the highest number of pageant aspirants, compared to the previous selections in Musanze and Rubavu Districts.

The pageant organising team and press, on Saturday, traveled to Credo Hotel, in Huye town, to a big number of contestants and their supporters, who had arrived earlier at the venue.

The jury was composed of Michelle Iradukunda, Jolly Mutesi and Marie France Uwase (right).

Despite the massive turn up, however, judges were very strict about the criteria for eligibility and as a result, a big number of girls did not make it through for failure to meet the weight and height requirements.

40 out of 67 applicants showed up, but only 20 were allowed to face the jury of Jolly Mutesi, radio presenter Michelle Iradukunda and Marie France Uwase.

Contestant hugged and congratulated each other after passing the first round of competition.

The auditions kicked off a few minutes past 3.30pm, as it was not easy for the jury to decide who passes through to the next stage. But, in the end, ten progressed to the next stages.

They include Vanessa Cyiza Tuyishimire, Pamela Uwicyeza, Josiane Niyonsaba, Roseylene Uwihirwe, Oliver Mutoni, Claudine Uwase Muyango, Clemence Umukundwa, Sandrine Umurungi, Nadine Uwase and Fabiola Teta.

A contestant attends the question and answer session during the Miss Rwanda auditions in Kayonza District.

The upcountry auditions were concluded on Sunday, as the Miss Rwanda team and journalists headed to Silent Hill Hotel in Kayonza for another audition in Eastern Province.

Kayonza records the biggest number of Miss Rwanda aspirants so far with 101 applicants.

They were, however, reduced to only 32. There was uncertainty over delaying the auditions due to the heavy rain, as some contestants were on their way to the venue.

Queen Peace Mutoni is among the contestants representing Kayonza District at the Miss Rwanda 2019.

Before auditioning, Elsa Iradukunda, who is part of the pageant’s communication team, took a few minutes to give some runway tips to the contestants before facing the jury shortly after 4pm.

Ten girls, who made it through include Yasipi Casmir Uwihirwe, Sonia Teta Mukunzi, Charlotte Inyumba, Joally Higiro, Nadége Umutesi, Emelyne Mugwaneza, Nisha Keza Bayera, Darine Igihozo, Irene Murebwayire and Queen Peace Mutoni.

With 31 contestants already selected, including five each, from  Musanze, Huye and Kayonza, and six from Rubavu,  the auditions are expected to conclude in Kigali on Saturday, December 29, at Hill Top Hotel, Remera before they compete  at the pre-selection on January 6, 2019 to find out who qualifies for the boot camp.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw