The much anticipated V&A African Woman cover girl campaign was all it set out to be – glamorous and full of glitz as guests flocked Serena Hotel today for the climax of the exciting campaign for the search for the next best thing, the African woman who embodies independence and confidence to appear in the June/July issue of African woman.

It was a case of New York in Kampala as the Serena ballroom was transformed into a fashion warehouse, 3 aisles was the nature of the setup with guests being treated to a cocktail prior to the commencement of the show at 7pm.

Local artists entertained and added colour to the V&A African woman grande finale, amongst the performers was Nandujja, Grace Nakimera, Toniks and Aziz Azioni.

Phoebe Nakabazzi, brand manager of spirits stated “It has been an exciting campaign and for that we are grateful to the public for their support and participation. The announcement of the cover girl is the reason we initiated this campaign – to celebrate confidence, beauty, grace, exuberance and vivacity of the Ugandan woman, the African Woman and this is a campaign that has lived up and far exceeded our expectations.

Xenson and Sylvia Owori showcased some of their best designs as the night was marked by fashion, entertainment and the realization of dreams coming true for the contestants.

Sylvia Owori elaborated “We know what it means to grace the cover of a fashion magazine, it is an honor and one we are glad we can accord that to one of these ladies. This is an initiative we hope to continue annually so as to ensure we make more ladies dreams out there come true.”

The ten lucky finalists were Bridgette Mwagale, Louisa Agnes, Maureen Okumu Ringa, Patricia Agururire, Ritah Ndagire, Cherop Justine, Shiba Kabarungi, Catherine Mburu, Harriet Namata and Aine Joan.

The judges based their criteria on confidence, communication skills, presentation, etiquette and most photogenic. Their vote constitutes 50% with the public’s vote counting for 50%. Alexander Forbes were the auditors of the night.

At around midnight Patricia was announced the winner of the cover girl campaign amidst cheers from the huge fan following she had in the crowd. She wins 2 million shillings as well as 1 million shillings shopping voucher from Sylvia Owori and the title of cover girl.

Joseph Bale was also rewarded with an all expenses paid trip to Seychelles.

Phoebe Nakabazzi, brand manager of spirits concluded “It is our hope that the ultimate cover girl will step up and take her rightful place and inspire others in future. This is an initiative we hope to do annually with African Woman so as to make more dreams come true. Congratulations to the lucky winner. We thank the public and all contestants for the passion and drive they have shown during the entire campaign.”