How athletes swept Miss Uganda pageant

Swimmer Almoire Nagayi and former netball player Prudence Nakato have demonstrated how sports can build the confidence needed to excel beyond the field of play after emerging as the winner and runner-up, respectively, at the 2026 Miss Uganda pageant.

Nagayi, 19, from Masaka, represents Gators Swim Club, while Nakato previously played for KCCA Netball Club and currently serves as the club's assistant manager.

Their success highlights the role of sports in nurturing confidence, discipline and social skills that can help athletes thrive in other areas of life.

Nakato Bridget Prudence finished as first runner-up. Photo by Ignatius Kamya

Nagayi began her swimming journey with Dolphins Swim Club before moving to Gators, where she currently competes. However, her ambitions have always extended beyond the swimming pool.

Dolphins head coach Muzafaru Muwanguzi says Nagayi displayed the qualities of a beauty queen long before she entered the pageant.

Almorie Nagayi was crowned winner of Miss Uganda 2026/2027. Photo by Ignatius Kamya

"She had a passion for beauty pageants when she joined high school. She is a very social person who is not afraid of taking opportunities. She has built her CV through a gradual process, and we have been supporting her through encouragement and recognition," Muwanguzi said.

Muwanguzi added that the club has had a successful year, pointing to the achievements of its athletes, including Husnah Kukundakwe's Commonwealth silver medal and Nagayi's Miss Uganda crown.

Nakato Bridget Prudence receives her crown as first runner-up of Miss Uganda 2026–2027. Photo by Ignatius Kamya

"For us as a club, having a Commonwealth medallist in Husnah and now a Miss Uganda is a big achievement," he said.

Uganda Aquatics vice-president in charge of technical matters Tonny Kasujja also congratulated Nagayi, urging parents to nurture and support their children's talents.

"As Uganda Aquatics, we wish her success. We hope that she encourages young people to be part of sports. If she encourages more people to take up swimming, that will be a plus," Kasujja said.

Meanwhile, Nakato's emergence as first runner-up has also caught the attention of her former club, KCCA Netball Club.

Trivia Elle Muhoza, the outgoing Miss Uganda, crowns Almorie Nagayi as Miss Uganda 2026–2027. Photo by Ignatius Kamya

Nakato last played for KCCA during the previous season and currently serves as the club's assistant manager.

KCCA head coach Fred Mugerwa said he was surprised when he learnt that Nakato was contesting for the crown but was pleased to see her take on the challenge.

Almorie Nagayi competes in the Miss Uganda Top Model competition ahead of the grand finale. Photo by Ignatius Kamya

Mugerwa also encouraged fans to vote for her, recognising the opportunity the pageant presented.

"Her contesting came as a surprise, but I was happy for her. With her position now, we shall sit with her and see how the club can benefit. We appreciate how her position has pushed the club's publicity," Mugerwa said.