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A petition has been launched in Uganda to force the government to cancel its reported decision to promote curvy women in a bid to attract tourists.

The move comes after Uganda's privately owned Daily Monitor news site reported that the State Minister for Tourism, Godfrey Kiwanda, announced the plan - including holding a Miss Curvy Uganda beauty contest - at a press conference in the capital, Kampala, on Tuesday.

"We have naturally endowed nice looking women that are amazing to look at. Why don’t we use these people as a strategy to promote our tourism industry?” the news site quoted him as saying.

Pageant organiser Ann Mungoma said the contest "will bring out the endowment of the real African woman" and will be "an exceptional event that will see young ladies showcase their beautiful curves and intellect", the Daily Monitor reported.

The winner will be selected in June.