MISS UNIVERSE ZAMBIA SEEKS URGENT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION
The Miss Universe Zambia organisation has appealed to the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the United States Embassy in Zambia to intervene in efforts to secure a United States visa for reigning Miss Universe Zambia 2026, Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka, ahead of the upcoming Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico.
The appeal was made by Miss Universe Zambia National Director Alice Rowlands Musukwa, who revealed that the organisation had spent the past three weeks trying to secure a visa for Hatyoka, but had not been successful.
In a public statement, Musukwa expressed concern over the situation, noting that the organisation had been working tirelessly to ensure that Zambia's representative obtains the necessary travel documents to participate in the international pageant.
She acknowledged the support received from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, particularly the Director of Arts and Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe, for working with the organisation to ensure that all the necessary supporting documents were provided.
Musukwa expressed gratitude to the ministry for its commitment and assistance, adding that the organisation had also explored diplomatic channels following a request from the Miss Universe Organisation.
"At the request of the Miss Universe Organization, we also formally reached out to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, seeking diplomatic assistance. Unfortunately, we have not received any feedback," she stated.
Following the lack of progress, the National Director has made a public appeal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Office of the President and the United States Embassy in Zambia to provide urgent assistance and guidance through the appropriate diplomatic channels.
Musukwa said Hatyoka's participation in the competition would be an opportunity for Zambia to showcase its identity, culture and representation on an international platform.
She emphasised that the reigning queen was not travelling for personal interests but to represent the country alongside contestants from different parts of the world.
"Mubanga is not travelling for personal reasons. She is travelling to represent her country, raise our flag, promote our culture, and stand alongside women from across the world on one of the biggest international platforms," Musukwa said.
The organisation also referred to Tanzania, which it claimed had reportedly managed to secure a visa for its Miss Universe representative through government intervention despite facing United States travel restrictions.
Musukwa appealed for similar diplomatic consideration for Zambia, stating that the country should also be given an opportunity to have its representative participate in the competition.
However, she acknowledged the seriousness of visa restrictions and immigration decisions, clarifying that the organisation was not asking authorities to disregard established immigration laws.
"We are not asking anyone to disregard immigration laws. We are respectfully asking for urgent assistance, guidance, and consideration through the appropriate diplomatic channels," she said.
The appeal comes as the organisation continues its efforts to secure Hatyoka's participation, with Musukwa expressing concern that time is running out before the competition.
She has urged members of the public to support the appeal by tagging the United States Embassy in Zambia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant government authorities on social media platforms.
The organisation remains hopeful that diplomatic engagement will provide an opportunity for Zambia's reigning queen to participate in the international competition and represent the country on the global stage.