The search for the woman who will wear Uganda’s most coveted crown is officially underway.
The Miss Uganda Foundation has launched the Road to the Crown 2026, ushering in a new season of beauty, purpose and empowerment under this year’s theme, Beauty with a Purpose.
The glamorous launch, held on June 17 at the Oppein Experience Room in Kampala, brought together media personalities, corporate partners, cultural influencers and former beauty queens in an evening filled with elegance and anticipation. Organisers described the upcoming edition as one of the most exciting competitions since the pageant’s revival 15 years ago.
Adding to the evening’s sophistication, guests enjoyed specially crafted cocktails, including the V&A Sherrito, the V&A Queen and the classic Vangria, as excitement mounted over the nationwide search for Uganda’s next queen.
The reigning Miss Uganda 2025, Trivia Elle Muhoza, took centre stage alongside first runner-up Agatha Drakes Keine and second runner-up Gloria Katushabe. Reflecting on their reign, the queens thanked sponsors and partners for supporting their journey and helping them amplify the Miss Uganda brand.
“We are deeply grateful for the support our partners have given us,” said Muhoza, who is set to represent Uganda at the Miss World pageant. “I won’t disappoint when I take to the global stage.”
Beyond the glamour, sponsors say the pageant has become a platform for nurturing future leaders. Roy Ronald Tumwizere, Brand Manager for V&A Sherry at Uganda Breweries Limited, said supporting Miss Uganda aligns with the brand’s commitment to empowering women.
“I’m incredibly proud that V&A Sherry gets to be part of a journey that gives young women the platform to become change-makers in society,” he said. “Seeing one of the Miss Uganda Foundation’s own, Hannah Karema, contest for the Makerere University Guild presidency was truly inspiring.”
According to Miss Uganda CEO Brenda Nanyonjo, the pageant has evolved into a movement that celebrates young women with a passion for service and leadership.
“We have never seen Miss Uganda as merely a beauty pageant; we see it as a platform to transform lives,” she said. “As we celebrate 15 years, we hope to continue growing alongside our partners and creating opportunities for young women across the country.”
Nanyonjo explained that contestants must be Ugandan citizens aged between 18 and 26 and possess a valid National ID or passport.
Applicants are also required to have completed at least A-Level education or its equivalent, and must not be married, engaged or have children.
They should have no visible tattoos, be fluent in English and a native Ugandan language, and maintain good moral standing.
This year’s regional search will begin on July 2 in Eastern Uganda before heading to West Nile, Northern, Western and Central Uganda.
Nanyonjo revealed that the organisers adjusted the route, with Eastern Uganda becoming the first stop instead of West Nile because of concerns surrounding the Ebola outbreak.
The Road to the Crown will culminate in the grand finale on October 10 at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, where a new queen will be crowned and rewarded with a grand prize package and other gifts from partners.
The foundation is also seeking a sponsor to provide a signature vehicle that can become instantly identifiable with the Miss Uganda brand.
Registration for the Miss Uganda 2026 competition is currently open at Shs50,000, giving aspiring queens across the country the chance to compete for the crown and the opportunity to represent Uganda on the world stage.