Uganda’s fashion scene has found its brightest young luminary in Sharon Kiyimba Promise, who clinched the coveted title of Top Model Uganda 2023 amid a trail of international accolades and a fierce commitment to transforming her nation’s modeling landscape. At just 21, Kiyimba embodies the dynamism of a new generation of African creatives blending artistry, education, and cultural pride.
From Masindi to the Main Stage: A Meteoric Ascent
Born in Masindi on November 28, 2003, Sharon Kiyimba’s journey began under the care of her single mother, Rebecca Kiyimba. Her early life in central Uganda instilled resilience that later fueled her career. While balancing studies at Exodus College School Wakiso (specializing in Math, Entrepreneurship, and Economics), she joined Black Array Agency in Katwe during the 2020 pandemic lockdown—a decision that ignited her passion. By May 2021, she aced the Top Model Uganda auditions, earning unanimous approval from judges, including industry icons Doreen Kabareebe and Sylvia Namutebi.
Awards and Global Recognition
Kiyimba’s rise transcends borders. In 2021, she and mentor Kabareebe dominated the International Photo Arena (IPA) Awards in Ghana, where Sharon was named Best International Young Model Achiever. The IPA lauded her for “inspiring others to join [the industry] and causing great impacts” . Months later, she graced the runway at Uganda’s inaugural Janzi Awards (December 2021), sharing the stage with luminaries from the continent’s creative sector.
The Philosophy of a Pioneer
In an exclusive review for Ugamusic, Kiyimba’s approach to modeling emerges as distinctly intellectual and culturally rooted:
- Cultural Identity: Raised by a Musoga mother, she proudly embraces her heritage: “I consider myself a Musoga,” she told Kampala Edge Times. This grounding informs her advocacy for African beauty standards.
- Confidence as Craft: “I believe I have a nice body,” she asserts. “I am created in God’s image.” This self-assuredness fuels her runway presence and challenges industry stereotypes about age and body image .
- Industry Vision: On the podcast The Ugandan Boy Talk Show, Kiyimba tackled complex issues like the sexualization of models, advocating for professionalism and creative respect. She defines fashion modeling as “showcasing someone’s outfit, products, and clothes”—a utilitarian art driving Uganda’s economy.
Mentor Legacy and Future Ambitions
Guided by veteran model Doreen Kabareebe—who discovered her at Kwillz Fraternity—Kiyimba credits Kabareebe for her disciplined ascent. Their bond extends beyond the catwalk; Kabareebe maintains contact with Sharon’s mother, who works in Turkey, ensuring familial support aligns with career demands.
Academics remain non-negotiable for Kiyimba, who balances textbooks and photoshoots. Yet her dreams soar beyond Uganda: Canada, Paris, and the UK top her travel list. “I pray in Jesus’s name,” she smiles, embodying a faith-driven hustle .
The Verdict: Why Kiyimba Matters to Uganda’s Creative Renaissance
Sharon Kiyimba is more than a model—she’s a cultural catalyst. Her dual focus on education and artistry disrupts stereotypes of models as fleeting talents. As Uganda’s fashion industry expands post-2018 (a growth she attributes to pioneers like Kabareebe), Kiyimba leverages her platform to mentor teens and redefine success.
Reviewer’s Insight: Kiyimba’s elegance isn’t just physical; it’s ideological. She merges African tradition with global ambition, proving that modeling is both a business and a medium for national pride. Her UG Teen Awards nomination for Best Female Model was no fluke—it heralded a leader. For Uganda’s music and arts community, her journey underscores the symbiosis between fashion, music, and identity at events like the Janzi Awards. As she declared: “I’m the best teen model around!”—and Uganda believes her
Follow Sharon’s journey on Instagram. For more on Uganda’s creative stars, stay tuned to Ugamusic—where fashion and rhythm collide.
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