KAMPALA — Mitchelle Daka has been crowned Miss Universe Uganda 2026, earning the right to represent Uganda at the prestigious Miss Universe pageant after emerging victorious at the national grand finale held Saturday night at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.
Daka secured the coveted title after months of competition that saw contestants undergo auditions, mentorship, boot camps, interviews and a series of challenges designed to assess their confidence, intelligence, leadership and commitment to purpose.
Announcing the winner, the Miss Universe Uganda organisation praised Daka’s journey, describing it as one defined by authenticity, resilience and determination.
“What started as a dream has become history,” the organisers said in a statement. “Now, she carries the hopes of a nation as she begins her journey to represent Uganda at Miss Universe.”
The newly crowned queen also dominated the competition’s special awards, winning both the Multimedia Queen and Face of V&A Uganda titles, recognising her strong digital engagement and outstanding brand representation.
Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio finished as the First Runner-up, while Bri Katungi was named Second Runner-up. Sureya Umeimah claimed the Third Runner-up position, with Jemima Mpoza completing the Top Five as Fourth Runner-up.
The pageant also recognised contestants who excelled in different categories throughout the competition. Mugisha Faith Uwitonze was named Miss Photogenic, Joan Nabatanzi received the Miss Humility award, while Bri Katungi added Miss Congeniality to her achievements.
Other special awards included Wellness Queen, won by Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio; Best in Swimsuit, awarded to Mutesi Patience; Face of 106.5 NRG Radio Uganda, won by Jemima Mpoza; Supermodel, awarded to Aromorach Teopista; and Miss Personality, presented to Nabuzale Elina Prisca.
Beyond the beauty contest, this year’s grand finale placed a strong spotlight on Uganda’s fashion industry, with locally designed collections taking centre stage as contestants showcased creations from homegrown designers under the event’s “Beyond the Crown” campaign.
Organisers said the initiative seeks to redefine beauty pageants by promoting women who combine elegance with leadership, confidence, community service and purpose.
Daka now begins preparations for the international Miss Universe competition, where she will represent Uganda among contestants from across the globe in one of the world’s most recognised beauty pageants.
Her victory marks the beginning of a new chapter as she takes on the responsibility of serving as Uganda’s beauty ambassador while championing causes aimed at inspiring young women both at home and internationally.
