Ugandan model Quiin Abenakyo recently earned a prestigious title for her country, but not without some unsolicited commentary on her chosen aesthetic from Uganda's president.
The 22-year-old was crowned Miss World Africa on December 8 at the Miss World 2018 finals in Sanya City, China, after placing fourth overall. BBC News reports that while President Yoweri K Museveni was proud of her achievement, he expressed concern about her hair choice. He took to Twitter to share his thoughts about the Musoga District native wearing a weave instead of rocking her natural hair for the pageant.
Abenakyo is indeed a tall, beautiful Musoga girl. My only concern is that she was wearing Indian hair. I have encouraged her to keep her natural, African hair. We must show African beauty in its natural form. pic.twitter.com/UbY3AXh6TL
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) December 19, 2018
"Abenakyo is indeed a tall, beautiful Musoga girl. My only concern is that she was wearing Indian hair. I have encouraged her to keep her natural, African hair. We must show African beauty in its natural form," wrote Museveni.
Abenakyo's placement, according to New Vision Daily, was a major victory for the country as she was the first to win the Miss World Africa crown. After competing against 21 other contestants for the Miss Uganda title, she moved up the ranks past 112 international contenders. The Makerere University Business School graduate lost to Vanessa Ponce de Leon, who was the first woman from Mexico to win Miss World.
In response to the president's criticism, she shared with the BBC that she was "not trying to copy what the Western world does."
"It's 50/50 for me depending on the occasion and how I feel. No one needs to define how you wear your hair and what you do. If you are comfortable, that is what matters," the beauty queen said.
Museveni's spokesman, Don Wanyama, explained the 74-year-old politician simply wanted to see Abenakyo wear a more natural look.
"Just look at the photo, and you will see the type of hair. It's an unnatural wig; he was saying she should wear her natural hair," said Wanyama.
Hmm.
Many took to Twitter to share their varying opinions:
I support the President on this issue. Natural hair brings out the beauty of an African woman.
— Irene Connie Tumwe (@IreneconnieTumw) December 19, 2018
How ever as a President of Uganda… he should be finding a better path for his people and country. Beauty pageants on any scale will not resolve this… his tweets should not even matter. Do good for all Ugandans sir!!!
— Sandra Dehwe (@SandraDehwe) December 20, 2018
But why aren’t you keeping your natural hair Mr. President so that you can as well promote the natural African hair and be exemplary. Gonna are the days you used to keep the “Afro” I miss that on you Mr. President
— Micheal Bolton Ayebs (@MichealAyebs) December 19, 2018
I love how cis men like to interject themselves in issues involving women making decisions… how they style their hair, reproductive rights… ????
Yes, she does look very uncomfortable.
— Wa ???????? (@peaceofculture) December 20, 2018
It is only hair Baba … every race wears weaves. Well done.????????????????????????????
— CountRess????????Yvonne Nya'Osome???? (@CountRessYvonne) December 19, 2018
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