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Today, 2nd August 2026, 29-year-old model and philanthropist Mitchelle Daka was crowned the inaugural Miss Universe Uganda 2026 at a glitzy, high-octane grand finale hosted at the Imperial Royale Hotel.
Organized under the executive direction of Joram Muzira Job (Joram Model Management), the landmark event delivered a top-tier production that lived up to its international billing. Mitchelle will now carry the Ugandan flag to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she will represent the nation at the 75th global Miss Universe pageant later this year.
The winner of the inaugural #MissUniverseUganda 2026 is drives away with a brand-new Toyota Wish as part of the prize package.
Who won Miss Universe Uganda 2026 and what awards did she take home?
Mitchelle Daka, a 29-year-old fashion model and community advocate, clinched the top title following a flawless performance across the evening wear, swimwear, and final Q&A rounds.
In addition to inheriting the coveted inaugural crown, Mitchelle was named the Multimedia Queen of the Journey Award winner, acknowledging her strong digital presence, storytelling, and public engagement throughout the multi-week national campaign. Her composure and articulation during the judges’ intelligence rounds sealed her historic victory.
Who is Mitchelle Daka?
Mitchelle Daka is a 29-year-old fashion model, podcaster, digital content creator, and philanthropist who represented Budaka District (Eastern Region) before making history as the inaugural Miss Universe Uganda 2026 titleholder. Check out her Instagram page here.
She usually loves focusing around mental health advocacy and emotional awareness, focusing on nurturing self-aware, resilient youth across Ugandan communities. An active fitness enthusiast, reader, and media creator, she built her personal brand around fashion and community service long before stepping onto the national stage.
As the newly crowned queen, she will carry Uganda’s flag to the 75th Miss Universe global pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
How did 1st Runner-Up Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio perform at the finale?
Nineteen-year-old viral fan favorite Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio (Delegate #12 representing Kole District) finished as the 1st Runner-Up, capping off a remarkable journey that dominated headlines across the country.
Kimberly walked away with a UGX 5,000,000 cash prize and earned the right to officially represent Uganda at upcoming major international beauty pageants. Before the judges cast their final scores, Kimberly had already fast-tracked her way into the Top 5 Finalists after winning the People’s Choice Award with nearly 60,000 votes. During the night, she was also awarded the Sports and Wellness Award in recognition of her physical fitness and lifestyle advocacy.
Who are the other runner-ups and special award winners of Miss Universe Uganda 2026?
The judging panel selected a standout lineup of finalists from across the country to complete the top five standings:
- 1st Runner-Up: Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio (Kole District) — UGX 5M cash prize & international pageant representation.
- 2nd Runner-Up: Bridget Katungi (Katungi Bridget).
- 3rd Runner-Up: Sureyah Umeimah (representing Jinja District).
- 4th Runner-Up: Jemima Mpoza
In the special awards category, Aromorach Teopista was officially named Miss Universe Uganda Super Model 2026, recognized for her high-fashion runway walk during the designer showcases.
What made the Imperial Royale Hotel grand finale a top-tier success?
Attending guests and pageant analysts praised the production quality of the finale, describing it as one of the best-organized entertainment events hosted in Kampala this year. The delegates stepped onto the runway with marvelous elegance, confidence, and glamour throughout the evening.
The event was attended by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, as Guest of Honor, alongside international guest Jean Ojiro (Miss Universe Kenya 2021).
The musical production matched the high-fashion aesthetic on the runway:
- Maurice Kirya serenaded the audience with soft, soulful acoustic melodies, performing his classic hit “Ugandan Girl”.
- Lilian Mbabazi delivered a live performance of her hit “Kawa”.
- Bien (former Sauti Sol frontman) performed his viral regional anthem “AYAYAAH”.
- Karole Kasita and Joshua Baraka kept the crowd energized with dynamic live sets throughout the evening transitions.
With the inaugural edition concluded, Uganda officially steps into the global Miss Universe arena with a solid representative in Mitchelle Daka, backed by an exceptional court of young leaders ready to elevate the country’s brand worldwide.
