Mitchelle Daka, a 29-year-old contestant from Budaka District, has made history after being crowned the first-ever Miss Universe Uganda, earning the honour of representing the country at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico.
Daka emerged victorious during the grand finale held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, bringing to a close the inaugural Miss Universe Uganda competition, which began in May with 25 contestants before narrowing down to 16 finalists.
In addition to the crown, Daka received a brand-new Toyota Wish and a cash prize of Shs24 million.
Her victory followed a campaign focused on promoting mental health and emotional awareness, a cause she says is critical to building healthier communities.
Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio from Kole District finished as the first runner-up and received Shs5 million, while Bridget Katungi of Kazo District was named second runner-up, taking home Shs3 million. Sureyah Umeimah of Jinja District completed the top four as third runner-up.
The historic event was attended by Senior Presidential Advisor Dr Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu as the chief guest, alongside pageant patron Halima Namakula.
More than a beauty contest
Organised by Joram Model Management under the theme “Beyond the Crown,” the pageant was created to identify women who can champion leadership, community service and social impact in addition to beauty.
National Director Joram Muzira Job said the competition aims to nurture women who can confidently represent Uganda on the international stage as ambassadors for the country’s culture, tourism and innovation.
Throughout the competition, contestants underwent intensive training in leadership, public speaking, media engagement, runway presentation and community outreach to prepare them for national and global responsibilities.
Glamour and entertainment
Hosted by Malaika and Deedan, the colourful finale featured performances from Tracy Melon, Jiran Seyn, Karole Kasita, Lillian Mbabazi, Minister Rachel K and Maurice Kirya, among other entertainers.
The event also welcomed Miss Universe Kenya 2026, Jean Ojiro, whose appearance highlighted the growing regional profile of the Miss Universe franchise.
The inaugural edition was headlined by V&A Sherry, a Uganda Breweries Limited brand, with support from several corporate partners.
Top five finalists
The finalists represented districts from across Uganda and championed causes ranging from mental health and girls’ education to early childhood development, youth empowerment and women’s leadership.
The top five finalists were:
- Mitchelle Daka (Budaka District) – Mental health and emotional awareness.
- Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio (Kole District) – Mentorship and girls’ empowerment.
- Bridget Katungi (Kazo District) – Early childhood development and positive parenting.
- Sureyah Umeimah (Jinja District) – Girls’ education and STEM.
- Jemima Mpoza (Wakiso District) – Youth empowerment, leadership and mental resilience.
Category award winners
Several contestants also received special awards during the competition:
- People’s Choice: Kimberly Jael Aremo
- Multimedia Queen: Mitchelle Daka
- Miss Personality: Nabuzaale Elina
- Super Model Award: Teopista Aromach
- Wellness Queen: Kimberly Jael Aremo
- The Face of NRG & Play It Loud: Jemima Mpoza
- Best Swimsuit: Patience Mutesi and Joan Nabatanzi
- Miss Congeniality: Bridget Katungi
- Miss Photogenic: Faith Mugisha
- Miss Universe V&A Award: Mitchelle Daka
