On Saturday, the Western Province was the first to get representatives to contest for Miss Rwanda 2020 crown as auditions kicked off in Rubavu District.

The beauty contest is organised by Rwanda Inspiration Backup to empower young girls by creating a platform that gives them a chance to expose their dreams and achieve and what they can contribute for the benefit of the Rwandan community.

The auditions at the Western Mountain Hotel, kicked off at 3pm as aspirants showed up at the venue for the screening and some runway tips, guided by Miss Rwanda 2018 Liliane Iradukunda.

A total of fifty girls registered for Miss Rwanda 2020 auditions in Western Province but only 31 showed up for screening.

During the screening, 18 girls failed to meet standard height or weight required to take part in the beauty contest and, as a result, only 13 qualified for the auctions.

One by one the contestants faced the panel of judges made up of Miss Rwanda 2016, Jolly Mutesi, Media and communications personality Mike Karangwa, and RBA news anchor Evelyne Umurerwa, to answer questions.

For the first time, contestants were allowed to answer questions from the judges in a language of their choice, that is Kinyarwanda, French, English or Kiswahili.

The majority of contestants responded in either English or Kinyarwanda, except one contestant identified as Aline Kibogo Mbabazi who expressed herself in French although she did not make it to the next round of the beauty contest.

In the end, only six contestants were chosen to represent the Western Province in the beauty contest.

These include; Aisha Uwase, Hope Akaliza, Phoebe Uwamahoro, Joyeuse Uwimana, Denise Umutesi and Anitha Umuratwa.

Notably, five of the contestants who represent ed the Western Province are from Kigali. Only Phoebe Uwamahoro was born in Rubavu District.

For Aisha Uwase, it is the second time she is vying for the crown after her journey during last year’s edition, ended in the pre-selections.

The auditions in Rubavu were attended by different partners of the beauty competition and reigning Miss Rwanda 2019 Meghan Nimwiza.

They will shift to Northern Province on Saturday, December 28, at La Palme Hotel in Musanze District.

A contestant in a runway session before facing the judges during auditions in Rubavu. / Courtesy

Judge Jolly Mutesi asks a question to a Miss Rwanda 2020 contest during auditions in Rubavu on Saturday. / Courtesy

A contestant presents documents required to participate in Miss Rwanda. / Courtesy

A contestant answers a question during the auditions in Rubavu District. / Courtesy

A contestant goes through a hight screening test. / Courtesy