The contest, which crowns the ugliest man in Zimbabwe, enters its fourth year under the theme "The Beauty of Ugliness".

Austin Mbewe, 30, from the city of Bulawayo was crowned Mr. Ugly last year after he shrugged off stiff competition from nine other eager contestants and walked away with $173 and a blanket.

Chitova Chezhira from Masvingo came second while Beitbridge-based Kudakwashe Chiramba was the second runner-up.

The winner was chosen by a panel of female judges.

The 2012 edition is billed for March 28 at Pagomo Heights Leisure Centre in Beitbridge.

Event organiser Lovemore Chonzi, a retired member of the Zimbabwe National Army band Lovemore Chonzi of Aerowise Entertainment said 30 men from all over the country have entered .


"The pageant is bigger and unique this year. We are open to many contestants from across the Southern African region.

"At the moment we are liaising with responsible authorities over the latest developments. We will hold the event at our traditional venue - Pagomo Heights and Leisure Centre” he said.