Miss & Mr KIM crowned amid pomp

Carine Umuraza and Floris Rutayisire are the 2013 Miss and Mr Kigali Institute of Management (Kim), respectively.Umuraza is a third year student in the Accounting department while Rutayisire is in his first year.The two were crowned on Friday at Sports View Hotel in Remera.The beauty contest, organised by Rwanda Inspiration Backup and Kim management, attracted 11 contestants, including five girls and six boys.After battling it out on the runway to impress the judges, the duo beat the other contestants to the crowns and a cash prize of Rwf100, 000 each.The two also received a one year scholarship. Umuraza was also selected as Miss Elegant, scooping Rwf30, 000 in extra cash prize, while Rutayisire also emerged as Mr Intelligent to pocket the same amount.“I am so grateful tonight. My dream came true. I am so glad. It was not easy because it was very competitive but I have finally made it,” a tearful Umuraza said.Rutayisire couldn’t hide his excitement either as he was all smiles having beaten five others to the title. “Unbelievable! I thank God and those who voted me. I promise to represent the institution well during my tenure,” the hunky Rutayisire said.It was tears of joy for Joan Mukamanzi who was the first runner-up and Emmanuella Ikirezi, the second runner-up.In the men’s category, David Makombe and Amos Karuhanga emerged first and second runners-up, respectively.First runners-up were awarded Rwf50, 000 each and one free semester by Kim. Mukamanzi was also voted Miss Intelligent, receiving a cash prize of Rwf30, 000.Second runners-up Ikirezi and Karuhanga received a cash prize of Rwf50,000 each as well as one free semester at the varsity.To crown it up, all the other contestants received Rwf30, 000 courtesy of Kim.The event started at 1p.m, with MC Kate Gustave, of Radio 10, entertaining the huge crowd of mainly students before Kim vice rector Ronald Olar gave his opening remarks.He commended the organisers for “the well planned event” and urged the winners to go out and do Kim proud as its ambassadors in society.To spice up the afternoon, famed Tusker Project Fame judge Ian Mbagua made a surprise appearance at the event, to the excitement of both those who adore and detest him.The eleven contestants took the audience through a series of catwalks on the runway showcasing different designs – from traditional to casual and evening wear.At around 9p.m, Edouce, one of Rwanda’s upcoming artistes opened the evening performance before Urban Boys stormed the stage, performing their ‘Sipiriyani’, ‘Kelele’, ‘Bibaye’ and ‘Barahurura’ hits.In between the performances the contestants showcased more of their collections and took questions from the judges before Riderman, fresh from winning the 2013 Primus Guma Guma Superstar music competition, capped the evening in style.The Director of Culture in the Ministry of Sports and Culture, Lauren Makuza, commended the initiative pointing out that it gives students the opportunity to be self-confident and taking responsibilities in society.

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Miss & Mr KIM crowned amid pomp