[PHOTOS & VIDEO]: I am ready to make my country proud - Miss Rwanda 2016

Jolly Mutesi beat 14 other girls to the most prestigious crown on the social scene, Miss Rwanda, in a colourful ceremony held at Camp Kigali grounds on Saturday evening. The 20-year-old senior six graduate from King David High School, represented the Western Province in the preliminaries, and emerged overall winner at the beauty pageant, beating Peace Kwizera. Jolly Mutesi speaks answers questions during the Miss Rwanda 2016 contest on Saturday. The beauty queen has promised to do her country proud during her reign as Miss Rwanda 2016. Speaking to journalists after the grand finale, Mutesi expressed her excitement over winning the crown and her plans. “There are a lot of things I feel I can do for the country, I can’t say I have a set plan yet but what’s key is I have the ability to be an ambassador and a voice for my country. I want to assure Rwandans that I won’t let them down,” she said. Jolly Mutesi with her mother after she was crowned Miss Rwanda 2016 on Saturday. Mutesi follows a line of winners who, despite their efforts and the circumstances surrounding their respective reigns, have been questioned about not delivering their projects as promised. “I want to assure Rwandans that I will set a good example as Miss Rwanda, and I know that this position is a platform that will let me achieve my goals,” she responded to the concerns. Miss Rwanda 2016, Mutesi poses with some of Miss Rwanda 2016 judges after the event. Mutesi promised to promote domestic tourism, by appealing to the youth to maximise the touristic heritage. Previous winners have had challenges to implement their goals. This has been due to challenges like sponsorship and in past cases, poor management. With the pageant getting better organised over its six year existence, there is cause to be optimistic that the impact of Miss Rwanda will grow. Jolly Mutesi, Miss Rwanda 2016 poses in a group photo with family members as they celebrate her win after the event on Saturday. (All photos by Faustin Niyigena) Mutesi had an impressive run from the elimination stages, demonstrating a high level of confidence which she summed up in one slogan, “I believe I can.” editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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[PHOTOS & VIDEO]: I am ready to make my country proud - Miss Rwanda 2016