Miss World contestant Hannah Karema reveals obstacles faced by African queens

Hannah Karema has opened up about the challenges African beauty queens face at the global level, saying contestants from the continent have slim chances of winning the prestigious Miss World crown.

Speaking about her experience representing Uganda at the international competition, Hannah revealed that her journey at Miss World was not as smooth as many people may think.

I don’t want to say they are political but they also have their dynamics because you see that as a Black girl or African, winning a Miss World title, even for the organizers, it’s hard because you might have whatever it takes to be Miss World.

According to Hannah, although Miss World is promoted as a humanitarian pageant, there are factors behind the scenes that make it difficult for African contestants to compete equally with girls from Europe and other regions.

She explained that travel limitations and visa restrictions disadvantage African representatives, especially when abrupt international programs come up.

For a girl coming from Uganda or Africa, you need visas everywhere and this limits your chances. If there’s an abrupt program and you need to be in Italy, you need a visa there which means you won’t be there in time.

She added that contestants from Europe often have easier access to multiple countries, giving them an advantage during the competition and related activities.

For someone who comes from Europe, most of the time they have all the visas so it’s easy for them. So you find that they have to consider each and everything however good you are.

Hannah also reflected on contestants from Africa who she believes were deserving of the crown but still faced limitations because of their background.

She revealed that during her year, the contestant who ranked above her was from Botswana and, in her view, had all the qualities needed to become Miss World.

However, Hannah believes being African still placed limitations on her chances of taking the crown.

Former Miss Uganda Hannah Karema says Africans have slim chances of winning Miss World.#TheDeepTalk pic.twitter.com/is5AmZ958t

— Galaxy TV Jikonkone (@GalaxyTVUg) May 10, 2026