For years, Miss Rwanda stood as one of the nation’s most admired cultural showcases, a celebration of beauty, intellect, and ambition that inspired young women across the country. But behind the glamorous stage lights, a scandal shook the pageant to its foundation, leaving its future uncertain.
In 2022, Dieudonné Ishimwe, widely known as Prince Kid, the CEO of Rwanda Inspiration Backup, the organization behind Miss Rwanda, was arrested over allegations of sexual assault and exploitation of contestants. The revelations stunned the entertainment industry and sparked crucial dialogue about power dynamics and the protection of young women in the public eye.
The controversy resurfaced in March 2025 when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of Prince Kid, now 38, in Fort Worth, Texas. He had fled Rwanda after being sentenced to five years in prison on two counts of sexual assault.
Following his initial arrest in 2022, the Ministry of Youth and Culture suspended the Miss Rwanda competition indefinitely, citing the need to investigate what went wrong and to reform how the pageant is managed. For many young women, Miss Rwanda represented more than a title. It was a platform to amplify their voices, pursue education, and engage in community leadership. Today, that path remains blocked.
What is next for Miss Rwanda?
The future of the pageant remains unclear. The brand is still officially suspended, and both the government and former sponsors have stayed silent on any revival plans.
However, insiders suggest that if the pageant returns, it will likely come with major reforms, potentially under government oversight, with stricter safeguarding measures and more transparent governance.
Still, public trust has been shaken.
“It meant so much for young women,” a former contestant said. “But after everything that happened, it is hard to believe in it again.”
Whether Miss Rwanda makes a comeback or fades into memory, the questions raised by the scandal continue to influence Rwanda’s national conversation about women’s empowerment, accountability, and what true beauty should represent.
