She turns heads wherever she passes and she does not mind people looking at her, she says they have a right to look at what pleases their eyes. Miss Cynthia Akazuba is the out going miss Kigali. She is soon joining the Miss East Africa competition due to take place in Dar er salaam this month. At only 18, she was crowned miss Kigali in 2007. born on September 1989, to Mr and Mrs. Ijambo, Akazuba is one of the youngest beauty queens the world is yet to see. Being the last born of three kids, Akazuba benefited from all the love and care a child could ever cherish from her family. She spent her early childhood in Kampala (Uganda). Cynthia went to La Columbies and Kigali parents’ school for her primary education and later joined Fawe girl’s school and Lycee de Kigali where she has just completed her secondary studies. Speaking of inspiration, Akazuba credits her sister Sharon for making her who she is. “My sister Sharon Akanyana inspired me when she became Miss (NUR) National University Rwanda,”Akazuba proudly says. And when the recruiting panel for Miss Kigali visited her school, Akazuba took up the chance to contest.Despite the delusion about beauty contests, Akazuba’s parents were supportive all the way. “My parents look at being a beauty queen as an opportunity,” says Akazuba. Her parents’ cooperation gave Akazuba the courage to take her beauty to another level. ‘I was the first Miss Kigali and by then the country had not understood the gist of having beauty pageant contests,” recalls Akazuba. To prove the worth of beauty with a purpose, Akazuba worked towards leaving tangible works after her reign.Akazuba reports having advocated for the rights of people with disabilities through radio and TV talk shows, though there is much more to be done. “People expect alot.I could only deliver what I could handle depending on the funds available,” says Akazuba. Meanwhile, it was an uphill challenge for Akazuba to balance school with being Miss Kigali.Akazuba utilized the weekend to do all the duties expected of her as Miss Kigali. She had no free time on her schedule; it was always charity duties and school. Akazuba lives to remember the moment when she won the crown. “My happiest moment in life was when I was crowned miss Kigali,”Akazuba happily says. Outside being a beauty queen, Akazuba’s personality hasn’t changed. “I still hang out with the same friends and l love beans like before. I am the same Akazuba,”she says. Speaking of foodokChips and rice are her favourite match for the beans.Akazuba never starves herself to keep in shape; she goes jogging once in a while. Speaking of hobbies, Akazuba watches movies and reads novels. “I talk to everyone .I don’t give a bad attitude to anyone even, not even men. Provided they don’t make love advances,” says Akazuba. Apparently there is no man in her life. Akazuba does not plan to get married soon, her priority is charity and education. Akazuba’s role model is His Excellence President Paul Kagame. “The president’s promises, his promises are never empty,” says Akazuba. Akazuba also cherishes Nelson Mandela’s determination and love for Africa. As she waits for the Miss East Africa competition, Akazuba appeals to all the young beauties out there to take the chance. “Being a beauty queen has nothing to do with abusing morals,” advises Akazuba. laura2jos@yahoo.com
