Miss Universe contest comes to Uganda

For the first time, ever, Uganda joins Miss Universe beauty pageant this year, with the finale of the country set to be held this Saturday, August 01, 2026 at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.

When the contestants are ready, there is a belief that everything else is.

Beauty pageants are increasingly becoming platforms for social change, and this year's Top 16 contestants are proving that a crown is about more than beauty and elegance.

Representing districts from across Uganda, the finalists are championing causes close to their hearts, from mental health and childhood cancer awareness to girls' education, women's empowerment and cultural preservation.

As the inaugural Miss Universe Uganda competition nears its grand finale, National Director Joram Muzira Job says the pageant was designed to redefine beauty by focusing on purpose, leadership and impact. "Our vision is to build a platform that goes far beyond beauty," he said.

"Under the theme, Beyond the Crown, we want to discover women who are leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and changemakers capable of representing Uganda on the global stage."

Muzira noted that throughout the competition, contestants have undergone intensive training in leadership, public speaking, media engagement, runway skills and community service, enabling them to grow in confidence, resilience and compassion. "My expectation has never been to produce a queen who simply wears a crown. I want a woman who can confidently represent Uganda with grace, integrity and purpose," he said.

He added that the winner will serve as an ambassador for Uganda's culture, tourism and innovation, stressing that "the crown is not a reward it is a responsibility." The eventual winner of the Miss Universe – Uganda will represent the country at the international finale to be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico on November 24, 2026.

 
A look at the contestants of the Miss Universe Uganda contestants, in no particular order:
 
 
Bridget Katungi, 34 – Kazo District (Western)
Bridget is passionate about Early Childhood Development, believing that strong families build thriving communities. Through her work with vulnerable children and families, she advocates for emotional literacy, resilience and positive parenting to raise confident future generations.

Leticia Namanda Katongole, 25 – Wakiso District (Central)
Namanda is using her platform to fight gender-based violence and gender inequality, believing every woman deserves the opportunity to live and lead without fear.

Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio, 19 – Kole District (Northern)
Kimberly is passionate about mentoring young people, especially girls, saying that one mentor can inspire a lifetime of possibilities.

Faith Mugisha Uwitonze, 19 – Mbarara District (Western)
Faith is dedicated to supporting vulnerable children in rural communities, advocating for access to education, protection and opportunities that enable children to realise their full potential.

Coogi Africa Bahati Lubega, 23 – Kayunga District (Central)
Bahati champions women's financial independence through vocational skills development, believing entrepreneurship and practical skills can transform lives and communities.

Joan Nabatanzi, 27 – Butambala District (Central)
Nabatanzi is advocating for sustainable education and personal development for girls, describing education as the foundation for confidence, leadership and lifelong success. She was the second runners up in Miss Uganda 2024.

Elina Prisca Nabuzale, 25  – Sironko District (Eastern)
Nabuzale is raising awareness about childhood cancer through advocacy, blood donation campaigns and family support initiatives, ensuring that no child faces the disease alone.

Teopista Aromorach, 25 – Pakwach District (Northern)
A registered nurse, Aromorach advocates for obstetric fistula awareness, working to educate communities, break stigma and support survivors in regaining their dignity.

Sasha Traore, 24 – Kabarole District (Western)
Sasha is passionate about improving access to education for children raised by single mothers, believing education remains one of the greatest tools for breaking the cycle of poverty.

Nakabiito promotes cultural preservation through fashion, photography, art and storytelling, encouraging young Ugandans to celebrate their heritage with pride.

Patience Mutesi, 23 – Hoima District (Western)
Mutesi is advocating for mental health awareness and creating safe spaces where women and girls can openly seek emotional support without fear of stigma.

Sureyah Umeimah, 27 – Jinja District (Eastern)
Sureyah is committed to empowering girls through education, mentorship and leadership while encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Mitchelle Daka, 29 – Budaka District (Eastern)
Daka's advocacy focuses on mental health and emotional awareness, with a vision of nurturing resilient, self-aware individuals who can positively impact their communities.

Sheba Kasande, 23 – Kamwenge District (Western)
Kasande is championing women's health awareness, particularly around endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS and ovarian cysts, hoping to ensure no woman suffers in silence due to lack of information.