Meet Miss AgroTourism – Queen Awidi Lakeri

In Northern Uganda, Queen Awidi Lakeri stands out as more than just a beauty queen; she passionately advocates for Agrotourism, cultural preservation, and rural empowerment. As Miss Agrotourism Northern Uganda, she’s using her crown to spotlight local heritage, champion sustainability, and inspire the next generation.

We caught up with Awidi for a deep dive into her story, vision, and the cultural roots that keep her grounded.

Background & Beginnings

Q: Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello, I’m Queen Awidi, Miss AgroTourism Northern Uganda. I’m passionate about agro-tourism and preserving the cultural wealth of our community. Through this platform, I aim to amplify our stories, our agriculture, and our traditions on both national and global stages.

Q: What inspired you to participate in the Miss AgroTourism competition?
I was inspired to participate in the Miss Agrotourism competition because I believe in the power of agrotourism to promote cultural exchange, economic growth, and sustainable agriculture practices.

Culture Meets Agriculture

Q: How do you see the role of agro-tourism in promoting local Luo culture and heritage?
Agrotourism plays a vital role in promoting local Luo culture and heritage by showcasing our traditional agricultural practices, food, and customs. It helps preserve our heritage and generates income for local communities.

Q: What traditional Luo foods or practices would you love the world to experience?
I’d love the world to experience our traditional Luo dishes like “kwon kal” (millet flour) with “Mboyo” (vegetables) and “odi”(groundnut paste). Our agricultural practices like crop rotation and organic farming are also worth sharing.

Q: How can young people be encouraged to engage more with agriculture?
We need to rebrand agriculture for the youth. Show them it’s not just subsistence—it’s innovation, it’s entrepreneurship, it’s pride. With proper training, access to resources, and technology integration, agriculture becomes a gateway to self-reliance and leadership.

Crowned With Purpose

Q: What’s been your most memorable experience as Miss AgroTourism?
My most memorable experience as Miss Agrotourism was visiting rural communities and seeing the impact of agrotourism on their lives. It was heartwarming to see how it has improved their livelihoods and preserved their cultural heritage. Knowing I play a small part in that gives my crown true meaning.

Q: What changes would you like to see in rural tourism and agribusiness in Northern Uganda, particularly in Pinyluo?
We need greater investment in infrastructure—better roads, access to markets, digital connectivity. Training programs for farmers, youth agri-entrepreneurs, and stronger promotion of agro-tourism destinations will turn our villages into engines of growth.

Off the Stage

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not fulfilling your pageant duties?
I love cooking new recipes, especially fusing traditional dishes with modern twists. I also enjoy dancing traditional Luo dances and spending time with my family—those are the moments that recharge me.

Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration in this journey?
My mother and grandmother. My mother taught me to embrace our heritage and the importance of traditional farming. My grandmother’s strength and wisdom shaped my view of resilience, especially as a woman in leadership.

Q: What message do you have for young girls who look up to you?
You are powerful. Believe in yourself, hold tight to your culture, and pursue your dreams fearlessly. You can be a leader, a creator, a changemaker—your roots are your wings. You have the power to make a difference in your community and the world.

Queen Awidi Lakeri is more than just Miss AgroTourism Northern Uganda—she’s a visionary rooted in her community and growing toward a brighter future. With her feet in the soil and her eyes on the horizon, she reminds us all that beauty blossoms where purpose is planted.

👉 Follow Queen Awidi’s journey and advocacy work here on X (Twitter).