Masaka’s Almorie Nagayi Crowned Miss Uganda 2026

Almorie Sophia Nagayi did more than command attention on the Miss Uganda stage. When the competition narrowed to the final contestants, she demonstrated the confidence, composure and eloquence needed to emerge as the country's newest beauty queen.

The 19-year-old from Masaka City was crowned Miss Uganda 2026/27 at the grand finale held at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Saturday night, beating 21 other contestants to succeed Muhoza Trivia Elle.

Her victory followed a competitive evening in which the finalists were challenged to demonstrate not only beauty and stage presence but also intelligence, communication skills and the ability to articulate their ideas under pressure.

Nagayi will now represent Uganda at the Miss World 2027 pageant in Tanzania, taking the national title to an international stage.

Nagayi shines in the question-and-answer round.

The question-and-answer segment proved a defining moment of the competition, as the finalists faced the task of expressing their views clearly and confidently before the judges.

The contestants who advanced to the top 11 delivered impressive submissions, displaying eloquence, confidence and thoughtful responses that made the competition particularly close.

Trivia Elle Muhoza The Former Miss Uganda Crowning Almorie Nagayi As Miss Uganda 2026 To 2027. Photo By Ignatius Kamya

Nagayi, however, stood out with her composure and ability to articulate her thoughts, strengthening her position as the contestants moved towards the final decision.

In recognition of the pageant's 15th anniversary and the tight competition, the judges expanded the shortlist from the usual 10 contestants to 11, reflecting the quality of the finalists who had distinguished themselves throughout the contest.

Nakato Bridget Prudence was named first runner-up, while Lukia Balunywa finished second runner-up.

Mulungi Angel Liz was crowned Miss Popularity, one of the special titles awarded during the evening.

A queen with interests beyond pageantry

Nagayi's victory marks another milestone in a journey that has combined beauty pageants, sport, acting, diplomacy and community service.

Her pageantry journey began early, culminating in her becoming the first-ever Miss Uganda High School in 2024/25. She subsequently represented Uganda at Miss Teen International in India, gaining experience on the international stage.

Away from pageantry, Nagayi is a competitive swimmer who has represented Uganda at the national team level. She has also participated in basketball, athletics, music, dance and drama. Her commitment to sport began with regular workouts at the age of 12.

V&a Gifted Almorie Nagayi With A Cheque Of 5 Million Ugandan Shillings. Photo By Ignatius Kamya

She has explored the entertainment industry as well, portraying the younger version of Flavia Tumusiime's character, Kamali, in Beneath the Lies, a television drama created by filmmaker Nana Kagga.

Her interests also extend to international affairs. While at Aga Khan High School, she participated in the United Nations Model Debate and later graduated from the Young Diplomacy programme at the United Nations Mission.

She has also gained media and fashion experience through an internship at NRG Radio and runway appearances, including work with Bold Africa.

Empowering young women

As Miss Uganda, Nagayi intends to use her Beauty With a Purpose initiative to promote financial literacy and vocational skills among young women and girls.

Her goal is to encourage them to acquire practical skills, make informed financial decisions and work towards economic independence.

Community service has already featured in her journey. During her reign as Miss Uganda High School, she participated in school visits and charitable initiatives. She also volunteered with the Judith Nahurira Foundation during relief efforts for families affected by the Kiteezi garbage landslides, helping with donations and aid delivery.

Nagayi credits her mother, Rachael Mwagale, an educator, athlete, model coach, philanthropist and financial literacy coach who serves as executive director of Junior Achievement Uganda, as her greatest role model.

Other winners celebrated

The grand finale also recognised contestants in several special categories.

Nagayi won Miss Photogenic, while Balunywa received Miss Congeniality. Asianzu Sophie was crowned Sports Queen, Alum Eunice Amelia won Beach Beauty, and Atim Victoria received Miss Personality.

Tabisa Besigye Patience was named Multimedia Queen, Christine Crystal Akankunda won Rising Woman, and Arinda Maria Joyce took Miss Talent. Nakato received the Top Model title, while Mulungi won Miss Popularity.

The evening featured performances by Abeeka Band, Karole Kasita and Grace Nakimera. Anitah Fabiola and Kenneth Rukundo hosted the event, which also brought together former queens and members of the Academy of Queens to celebrate 15 years of Miss Uganda.

Miss Uganda chief executive Brenda Nanyonjo congratulated the contestants and the newly crowned queens, expressing hope that their reigns would inspire dreams, empower communities and leave a lasting legacy.

In attendance at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel Gardens was Captain Mike Mukula, the patron and board chairman of the Miss Uganda Foundation, which he has proudly served for over a decade.

“Uganda is extraordinarily endowed with natural beauty, cultural diversity, elegance and talent. Miss Uganda celebrates not merely physical beauty but intelligence, confidence, heritage, empowerment and the limitless potential of our young women. Beauty with purpose,” Mukula said.

Hosted by Anitah Fabiola and Kenneth Rukundo, the finale featured performances by Abeeka Band, Karole Kasita and Grace Nakimera, adding to the excitement as the competition narrowed towards the final decision.