The 2024 Miss World competition kicked off on Saturday night in Hyderabad, India, where contestants will showcase their distinct cultural heritage and a mission aligned with the pageant’s theme, 'Beauty with a Purpose.'

Uganda’s Natasha Nyonyozi joined a diverse group of 110 participants from nations and territories worldwide as the 72nd edition of Miss World commenced.

The Chief Minister of the region, A. Revanth Reddy, officially opened the event at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, addressing a crowd of thousands.

The pageant commenced with a spectacular cultural parade featuring contestants from Latin American countries, who mesmerized the crowd with their traditional costumes and lively performances.

Following them, representatives from 22 African nations enchanted the audience with their vibrant cultural attire and rhythmic dances.

Natasha Nyonyozi made a striking entrance in a stunning costume inspired by Uganda’s national bird, the crested crane.

Her ensemble included a corset-style top embellished with vivid red, yellow, black, and orange hues, mimicking the crane's plumage. The look was completed with elegant wings, a flowing train in brilliant green, and a headdress that beautifully echoed the vibrant, feathered motif.

Nyonyozi aspires to equal or surpass the achievements of last year’s Miss World Uganda, Hannah Karema, who narrowly missed securing the Miss World Africa crown at the pageant’s grand finale.

Karema reached the prestigious top eight at the global competition, emerging as a leading representative of the African continent alongside Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo.

In her introduction, Nyonyozi proudly identified as a business owner, an advocate for autism, and an honours graduate with a bachelor's degree in Science and Finance from Coventry University.

Her passion for autism awareness and acceptance stems from her brother, who is autistic and serves as her inspiration. This advocacy forms the core of her "Beauty with a Purpose" project at the Miss World pageant.