Uganda’s premier cultural pageant, Miss Tourism Uganda, has officially launched its 2026–2027 edition, opening applications to aspiring contestants across the country.
The announcement was made on Monday during a launch event at Kampala Serena Hotel, marking the beginning of a series of regional activations set to kick off in early 2026.
This year’s edition will run under the theme “AI, Culture and Tourism,” aimed at exploring how modern technology can help preserve cultural heritage while boosting Uganda’s tourism profile both locally and internationally.
Organizers say the competition is focused on identifying passionate young women and men to serve as tourism ambassadors. Participants will promote Uganda’s diverse traditions while championing conservation and sustainable tourism development.
The grand finale is scheduled for September 4, 2026, and will also be held at Kampala Serena Hotel.
The launch attracted key stakeholders from the tourism and cultural sectors, including the reigning titleholder, Nachap Kezia Cindy. She encouraged young women across the country to take part in the competition, describing it as a platform for personal growth and national representation.
Cindy also emphasized the importance of regional participation, noting that the journey begins at the grassroots level, where contestants first compete within their respective regions.
According to the organizers, this year’s theme reflects a blend of heritage and innovation, positioning technology as a powerful tool for telling authentic Ugandan cultural stories in more engaging ways.
The pageant has also continued to evolve in terms of inclusivity. Originally exclusive to women, it introduced a parallel category for male contestants in 2025, allowing more young people to actively contribute to tourism promotion.
Since its inception in 2013, Miss Tourism Uganda has grown into a key platform for celebrating the country’s cultural diversity, bringing together representatives from 12 regional clusters to showcase Uganda’s rich traditions and tourism potential.