KAMPALA, Uganda -- A beauty pageant in Uganda that purports to promote local women's "curves" has outraged critics who say it demeans the dignity of women.

The pageant, dubbed "Miss Curvy Uganda," is being championed by a government minister who says the East African country should not promote only "animals" in the safari parks.

Launching the pageant Tuesday, the state minister for tourism, Godfrey Kiwanda, said "it will be an exceptional event that will see young ladies showcase their beautiful curves and intellect."

The pageant is being mocked and condemned by some Ugandan men and women who want authorities to cancel the competition.

The head of Uganda's Anglican Church charged Thursday that the pageant "is a disgusting display of exploitation and brings shame upon our families and our country."

In Uganda, curvy women are now tourist ‘products’ as if zoo animals. On a scale of 1-10, how stupid is your tourism minister? — ✨Mrs 007✨ (@kakatshozi_) February 6, 2019

The way miss curvy has been portrayed it is intended to hold women as objects which defeats their dignity — Andrew Wandera (@AndrewWandera9) February 7, 2019

Turning our Women into sex objects this must stop #WomenNotSexObjects — Nsereko Kafrika (@KafrikaNsereko) February 6, 2019