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KAMPALA — The stage is set, the red carpet is unrolled, and history is officially about to be written at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala tonight, Saturday, 1st August 2026.
Organized under the leadership of renowned pageant director Joram Muzira Job (Joram Model Management), the inaugural Miss Universe Uganda 2026 Grand Finale marks a major turning point for the country’s beauty and fashion landscape. For the first time ever, Uganda will crown its debut representative to step onto the global Miss Universe stage at the 75th international edition in San Juan, Puerto Rico, later this year.
Doors open at 6:00 PM under a strict Black Tie dress code, with regular tickets priced at UGX 100,000, VIP entry at UGX 150,000, and corporate tables for eight selling at UGX 3,000,000 via Quicket and AfricaVotes.com.
How Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio Secured the First Spot in Tonight’s Top 5 Finalists
The biggest pre-finale bombshell heading into tonight’s main event centers on 19-year-old viral breakout delegate Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio (Delegate #12 representing Kole District).
Following weeks of intense public voting on the AfricaVotes portal, Kimberly officially emerged as the Winner of the People’s Choice Award, racking up nearly 60,000 verified votes. By securing the People’s Choice title, Kimberly has automatically fast-tracked her way into the Top 5 Finalists stage before the judges even cast their physical scores tonight.
Kimberly, a former high school valedictorian and youth mentor, recently captured national headlines after she selflessly declined a personal $100 cash offer from Malaika Mutoni Gashumba (wife of businessman Frank Gashumba) and instead redirected the UGX 400,000 donation to the ongoing Karamoja hunger relief drive managed by Ugandans on X (@UOXUganda). Her combination of unfiltered natural beauty, authenticity, and community-first advocacy has made her a formidable contender for the inaugural crown.
Who is attending as the Guest of Honor and International Special Guests?
Tonight’s landmark event has drawn top-tier government dignitaries and international pageant royalty to the Imperial Royale Hotel.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, will grace the grand finale as the official Guest of Honor, representing government support for women’s leadership, youth empowerment, and cultural diplomacy.
Adding international flair to the evening, Jean Ojiro, Miss Universe Kenya 2026, is making a special guest appearance to support Uganda’s inaugural entry into the global Miss Universe franchise.
Who is performing live on the Miss Universe Uganda 2026 stage?
To complement the high-stakes runway competition, organizers have assembled a star-studded lineup of regional musical powerhouses and media personalities.
Red carpet coverage kicks off at 6:00 PM, hosted by media personalities Prim Asiimwe, Gaga Grey, and Bigboy Shaque, who will capture arrival looks and fashion commentary.
Once the main stage show begins, audiences will be treated to live performances from:
- Lilian Mbabazi — delivering a soulful live performance featuring her classic hit “Kawa”.
- Maurice Kirya — bringing his signature King of Mwooyo acoustic charm.
- Karole Kasita — delivering high-energy dancehall stagecraft.
- Joshua Baraka — serenading the crowd with his chart-topping Afrobeats repertoire.
- Bien — former Sauti Sol lead vocalist, performing his regional smash hit “AYAYAAH”.
- ELEMENT EleéeH, Tracy Melon, and Jiran Seyn — rounding out the musical showcases throughout the evening.
Which top designers are showcasing their collections on the runway?
Beyond the crowning ceremony, tonight’s finale doubles as an elite haute couture fashion showcase, featuring runway presentations from East Africa’s most influential fashion directors and design houses:
- Kaijuka Abass (Kai’s Divo Collection) — presenting structured avant-garde evening wear.
- Patricia Akello (P’AKELLO Swim Wear) — unveiling luxury resortwear and swimwear looks modeled by the finalists.
- Monica Kansiime (Creative Director at IPIGOGO) — showcasing high-concept African creative wear.
- Sheba Kassami Priscilla, Green Amba, Jo Kisaka, and Miss Shee — presenting custom gala gowns tailored specifically for tonight’s Top 15 contestants.
Who are the corporate sponsors powering the historic night?
The execution of the inaugural pageant is supported by a strong coalition of corporate brands, led by headline beverage partner V&A Sherry (Uganda Breweries Limited), alongside NRG 106.5FM (“Play It Loud”), Pepsi, Aquafina Enriched Drinking Water, Hairby Zziwa, ATS Events, Silverline, Kinetics, Lueur, Kalanoga, Nakato, Revlv, JMM, and VA.
As the clock ticks toward 6:00 PM, all eyes across Uganda and the wider East African Community will be fixed on the Imperial Royale Hotel stage to see who will be crowned the first-ever Miss Universe Uganda and carry the national flag to Puerto Rico.
