Muheto is Miss Rwanda 2022- Her Message Upon Being Crowned
Divine Nshuti Muheto on Saturday, March 19 was crowned Miss Rwanda 2022 in a glamorous ceremony held at Intare Conference Arena, taking over the reins from Grace Ingabire, Miss Rwanda 2021.
An excited Muheto could not hold back tears of joy as the hosts announced her the winner of Miss Rwanda 2022, beating Keza Maolithia to the crown in a highly contested race that was widely watched in Rwanda, the region and beyond.
“I want to thank you all for supporting me and believing in me. Thank you to my friends and family, everyone who voted for me and rooted for me. I am more than grateful,”
“Most importantly, my win is a testament that we must keep trying to reach our goals. It might not work out today but tomorrow it will. Keep pushing until it happens,” Muheto said in her post-event message as she went home victorious.
It was a night many waited for, as 19 girls took to the runway to face the judges and pitch the projects they would implement if crowned Miss Rwanda or at least if they won any of the titles.
However, it was the 19-year-old, representing the Western Province, who emerged the winner, to the satisfaction of many, including her many legions of fans on social media, who celebrated through the night.
Keza (no.27) emerged the first runner-up while Kayumba Darina (no.25), the other contestant in the top three, settled for second runner-up.
For the first time, no.44 came ahead of no.27 and no.27 came ahead of no. 25, defying the mathematical order of things. Indeed, it was not just luck as Muheto also emerged ‘Miss Popularity’, affirming her strong finish at the grand finale.
The culture enthusiast drove away in the grand prize of a brand new 2022 Hyundai Venue, courtesy of Hyundai Rwanda, presented to her by the Chairman of the auto dealer, Olivier Nizeyimana Mugabo.
Apart from the car, as Miss Rwanda 2022, Muheto will be getting a monthly salary of Rwf800,000 and financial support from Africa Improved Foods (AIF) Rwanda to implement her ‘beauty with a purpose’ project.
On the other hand, Keza, the first runner-up will receive Rwf2,400,000 from Bella Flowers, a 6-month free weekend getaway at La Palisse Hotel Nyamata and a full year dental care service from Diamond Smile Dental Clinic.
The second runner-up also received a similar cash prize from Volcano Ltd as their Brand Ambassador, a three-month weekend getaway at La Palisse Hotel Nyamata and a one-year dental care service from Diamond Smile Dental Clinic.
It was a night of ululations and celebrations as Jeannette Uwimana (no.68) emerged ‘Miss Innovative 2022’, defying odds in many ways, proving that disability is not inability.
Uwimana won over many hearts, proving that her hearing and speech disabilities could not hold her back. Her farming project will be funded by Bank of Kigali through the BK Urumuri program with Inkomoko and she will be receiving a monthly stipend of Rwf500, 000.
She vowed to use the platform given to her by Miss Rwanda and the general public to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities.
On the night, contestant Ruth Bahali emerged the best contestant in advocating for sexual and reproductive health issues, earning herself a cheque of Rwf1, 800, 000, courtesy of Health Development Initiative (HDI) Rwanda while Queen Ndahiro Mugabekazi emerged Miss Photogenic.
Contestants displayed immense talent on the finale, from singing to playing musical instruments and displaying karate skills but it was Amanda Isaro to win the Miss Talent 2022 title while Marlene Uwimana claimed the Sports Talent title.
Kelia Ruzindana, who led in the public voting won the Miss Heritage title and a cash prize of Rwf5m from Bralirwa.
A five-member panel of judges which had difficult decisions to make was composed of Jolly Mutesi, Miss Rwanda 2016, who is no stranger to the judge’s bench, James Munyaneza, the Managing Editor of The New Times, who has been a Judge for the past four pageants and Journalist Anne Marie Niwemwiza of Kigali Today and Fidele Irizabimbuto, from Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA).
Other Judges included Malick Shaffy Lizinde, a creative communicator and manager who has worked for different organisations and Matthew Mensah, an entrepreneur and tourism enthusiast with roots from Ghana and Denmark.
All the Miss Rwanda 2022 top 10 finalists will be given scholarships of their choice by the University of Kigali based on their level of education and progress, among other perks, while all contestants will get a share of 20% of the money accumulated through public voting.
In her message, Miss Rwanda 2022 commended the Miss Rwanda organisation and sponsors for their efforts to empower girls through the different initiatives under Miss Rwanda.
“We want to thank the organisers and sponsors for giving us this is a great platform where we can showcase and explore our potential,”
“As Miss Rwanda 2022 and on behalf of the girls who participated this year and those thinking of contesting in the coming years, we want to thank you for availing to us this platform,” Muheto said.
It was an unforgettable night of fun, glamour, pomp and pageantry after three weeks in the bootcamp at La Palisse Nyamata Hotel. Singers Bruce Melodie, Nel Ngabo as well as DJ Ira and Symphony band entertained the sold-out crowd at Intare Arena.
RBA Journalists Martina Abera and Sam Kalisa were the able hosts of the Miss Rwanda 2022 finale which was also attended by Miss Rwanda 2020, Naomie Nishimwe, Miss Rwanda 2019 Meghan Nimwiza, Miss Rwanda 2018 Liliane Iradukunda and Miss Rwanda 2017 Elsa Iradukunda.
