Skip to main content

#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.

_

Tim Campbell Returns as Ambassador for UK’s Premier Celebration of Black Talent

Tim Campbell Returns as Ambassador for UK’s Premier Celebration of Black Talent

September 15, 2025 Read More
Global Black Economic Justice Takes Centre Stage in New York

Global Black Economic Justice Takes Centre Stage in New York

September 15, 2025 Read More
UNLOCKING BLACK BRILLIANCE

UNLOCKING BLACK BRILLIANCE

July 23, 2025 Read More
Ademola Adeyeba’s Mission to Help Black Youth Rise

Ademola Adeyeba’s Mission to Help Black Youth Rise

May 10, 2025 Read More
Advancing Equity

Advancing Equity

February 26, 2025 Read More
Cashblack Launches US App for Black History Month

Cashblack Launches US App for Black History Month

January 31, 2025 Read More
Jamaica Shines at Notting Hill Carnival 2025
Jamaica Shines at Notting Hill Carnival 2025ART & CULTURELATEST

Jamaica Shines at Notting Hill Carnival 2025

Cultural Events Coverage Jamaica Brings Island Magic to Notting Hill Carnival 2025 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 Jamaica Shines at Notting Hill Carnival 2025:…
September 6, 2025
Ricardo P Lloyd Among Star Patrons Championing Theatre Access
Ricardo P Lloyd Among Star Patrons Championing Theatre AccessART & CULTURELATEST

Ricardo P Lloyd Among Star Patrons Championing Theatre Access

Big news from Go Live Theatre! - Actor, writer & global creative Ricardo P Lloyd has been announced as one…
September 6, 2025
Black Mayors – Safer Cities
Black Mayors – Safer CitiesLATESTWORLD NEWS

Black Mayors – Safer Cities

They said our cities could not be saved. They said our leaders could not lead. Yet in Baltimore, Chicago, Birmingham,…
August 21, 2025
Editors Letter – August 2025
Editors Letter – August 2025EDITORLATEST

Editors Letter – August 2025

What happens when Black women speak truths this country isn’t ready to hear? From Diane Abbott’s suspension to powerful stories…
August 7, 2025
Editors Letter – July 2025
Editors Letter – July 2025EDITORLATEST

Editors Letter – July 2025

Black Excellence Starts in Your Basket — Buy With Purpose CELEBRATE YOUR BODY A shapewear brand dedicated to serving confident,…
August 7, 2025
The Carnivalesque
The CarnivalesqueART & CULTURELATEST

The Carnivalesque

Carnival is more than a party — it’s a protest, a prayer, and a powerful act of survival. As Notting…
July 31, 2025
UNLOCKING BLACK BRILLIANCE
UNLOCKING BLACK BRILLIANCEBUSINESS NEWSCOMMUNITY OUTREACHEDUCATIONLATEST

UNLOCKING BLACK BRILLIANCE

Join the Movement!  - SIGN UP TODAY AND GET 5% OFF WITH CODE BWSM5% Proud to Partner. Ready to Amplify. Breaking…
July 23, 2025
BLACK MOTHERS MATTER – EVERY TIME
BLACK MOTHERS MATTER – EVERY TIMELATEST

BLACK MOTHERS MATTER – EVERY TIME

“We Were Never Just Imagining It”: The Black Maternity Experiences Report 2025 Is a Cry for Justice — and a…
July 21, 2025
Sonny Blacks – In Memory and Celebration
Sonny Blacks – In Memory and CelebrationART & CULTURELATEST

Sonny Blacks – In Memory and Celebration

Black Excellence Starts in Your Basket — Buy With Purpose CELEBRATE YOUR BODY A shapewear brand dedicated to serving confident,…
July 20, 2025

Leave a Reply