#IWD25
A Trailblazer in Law, Fashion & Diplomacy
“This International Women’s Month, we celebrate Princess Elizabeth Bagaya of Toro—a trailblazer in law, fashion, and diplomacy. From becoming East Africa’s first female barrister to gracing the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and later serving as Uganda’s Foreign Minister, her impact is undeniable. A true pioneer who shattered barriers and redefined possibilities for women everywhere!”
BWSMContributor
As we celebrate International Women’s Month, we honour the remarkable women who have broken barriers, defied expectations, and paved the way for future generations.
One such woman is Princess Elizabeth Bagaya of Toro, a true pioneer whose impact spans law, fashion, and international diplomacy.
Born in 1936 in Kabalole, Uganda, Princess Bagaya’s journey has been one of resilience, ambition, and excellence. Despite coming from a royal lineage, she did not limit herself to traditional roles. Instead, she forged her own path, making history in multiple fields.
A Legal Trailblazer
At a time when women, especially African women, faced immense barriers in the legal profession, Princess Bagaya shattered expectations. She became the first East African woman to be admitted to the English Bar after earning her law degree from the University of Cambridge and qualifying as a barrister at Gray’s Inn in London.
Upon returning to Uganda, she continued making history as the first woman to be called to the Ugandan Bar.
Her accomplishments in law were groundbreaking, proving that African women could thrive in male-dominated professions. She paved the way for future generations of women in law, inspiring them to pursue legal careers and fight for justice.
Redefining Beauty on the Global Stage
Beyond law, Princess Bagaya also made history in the fashion industry. In 1967, she was invited by Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon to participate in a prestigious Commonwealth fashion show in London. Her success led to a career in high fashion, where she became the first Black model to appear on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar and had an entire layout in Vogue.
At a time when Eurocentric beauty standards dominated the fashion world, Bagaya used her success to challenge these norms. She once stated that she wanted to “destroy the myth of white superiority in terms of beauty and sophistication.”
Her influence in the 1960s and 1970s helped redefine global beauty standards and opened doors for Black models worldwide.
A Diplomatic Force for Uganda
Princess Bagaya’s dedication to her country was unwavering. Despite political turmoil in Uganda, she returned home in 1971 to serve under Idi Amin’s government as a Roving Ambassador and later as Foreign Minister. Her diplomatic skills helped improve Uganda’s international image and strengthen foreign relations.
Later, under President Yoweri Museveni, she continued her diplomatic service as Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States, Germany, the Vatican, and Nigeria. She played a crucial role in securing meetings with global leaders, using her international network for Uganda’s benefit.
A Lasting Legacy
After leaving public service, Bagaya dedicated her life to charity and cultural restoration in Uganda. She played a significant role in reviving the Toro Kingdom, serving as Princess Royale and later as a guardian to her young nephew when he became king.
Her life story is a testament to courage, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She defied expectations at every turn—whether in law, fashion, or politics—and left an indelible mark on every field she entered.
As we celebrate International Women’s Month, Princess Elizabeth Bagaya of Toro stands as an icon of empowerment. She broke barriers so that future generations could walk through doors that were once closed.
Her legacy reminds us that women belong in every space—whether in courtrooms, on magazine covers, or at diplomatic tables.
Princess of Power
Born of royalty, yet bound to none,
She walked her path, her race hard-won.
Not just a princess draped in grace,
But a force that time could not erase.
With law in hand, she carved the way,
Where once no woman dared to stay.
First of her kind to wear the robe,
A beacon bright across the globe.
Then to the runway—bold, supreme,
A Black queen shaping fashion’s dream.
On Harper’s cover, Vogue’s embrace,
She redefined both strength and face.
And when her nation called her near,
She met the world with poise sincere.
A diplomat with wisdom rare,
She wove Uganda’s fate with care.
Through courts, through catwalks, halls of might,
She proved her presence was her right.
A legacy both fierce and free,
A trailblazer in history.
So let her name in echoes ring,
A warrior, woman, queen, and king.
For every door she broke in two,
She left it wide—for me, for you.
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