It was all fun and pageantry as the Eastern Province selected three pretty lasses to represent the province in this year’s Miss Rwanda contest slated for September.   Lillian Umutesi Mubera, 20, a Senior Six student, emerged victorious. The first runner-up was Fidelle Karangwa Tega, 20, a Business student at Mt Kenya University (MKU), while Carmen Akineza, 20, a second year a Business student at the School of Finance and Banking (SFB) took up the second runners-up position. Organised by the Ministry of ICT and Youth, in partnership with Mashirika, the event was held at St. Agnes’ auditorium in Rwamagana District. The event was well attended, with lots of entertainment that featured Umucyo music and entertainment group of Rwamagana and the Kigali live band music group.  "I am very excited and I am sure that having done this first step perfectly, I am hopeful that I can eventually become Miss Rwanda 2012,” said Umutesi. She added that although she had what it takes to become Miss Eastern Province, she needed to work harder if she is to beat the contestants from the other parts of the country.  Umutesi says that she aims to engage in campaigns to fight unemployment. "As youth, we must work hard when we are still able. It is, therefore, wise to work with relevant authorities to come up with programmes to create employment,” she said.  The first runners up, Tega, said the event gave her exposure and that it was a great experience, adding that she is now aware of what to do to win it next year. The trio each pocketed $100 with an assortment of cosmetics donated by Simba Super Market. "Beauty with a Purpose; Unifying Rwandan Beauty and Culture” is the theme for this year’s Miss Rwanda contest.