Uganda has officially launched the inaugural Miss Universe Uganda 2026 competition, marking Uganda’s historic entry into the globally recognised Miss Universe platform for the first time.
The launch event was held at Mestil Hotel & Residences during a media briefing attended by stakeholders, partners, sponsors and members of the media.
The competition is expected to open a new chapter for Uganda’s beauty, fashion and creative industry by giving young Ugandan women an opportunity to compete on one of the world’s biggest international platforms for women empowerment, leadership, culture and advocacy.
Led by National Director Joram Muzira, the Miss Universe Uganda franchise aims to promote beauty with purpose while nurturing confident and impactful young women who can represent Uganda on the global stage.
“This is more than a pageant; it is a historic cultural moment for Uganda,” said Muzira.
“Miss Universe Uganda represents a new era of opportunity, visibility, empowerment and international representation for young Ugandan women and the country’s creative industry.”
According to organisers, the platform will also promote tourism, fashion, media and youth empowerment while showcasing Uganda’s culture and talent to the world.
The Miss Universe Uganda 2026 journey officially begins with applications opening from 14 May to 4 June 2026. During this period, young women from across the country will submit entries to compete in the inaugural edition of the competition.
The organisers say the search is focused on identifying intelligent, confident and purpose-driven women capable of becoming strong ambassadors for Uganda internationally.
Following the application phase, nationwide auditions will be held on 7 June 2026 at MOTIV, where contestants will be assessed on communication skills, leadership, intelligence, confidence and advocacy.
Successful contestants will then undergo intensive training through both non-residential and residential boot camps running from June to August 2026. The programme will include mentorship, runway training, public speaking, fitness, wellness, branding, media preparation and leadership development.
A major highlight of the competition will be the Sashing Ceremony scheduled for July 2026, where contestants will officially receive their regional sashes in a glamorous red-carpet event celebrating elegance, culture, confidence and national pride.
The competition will climax with the Grand Finale on 1 August 2026, where Uganda will crown its first-ever Miss Universe representative ahead of the 75th Miss Universe competition.
After the crowning, the winner will undergo international-level preparations, including media training, runway coaching, styling, advocacy development and image branding before representing Uganda at the Miss Universe international competition in November 2026.
Organisers say Uganda’s participation in the global pageant will provide a major opportunity to showcase the country’s beauty, culture, creativity and excellence to an international audience.
