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| Mitchelle Daka - Miss Universe Uganda 2026 |
KAMPALA, UGANDA — In a landmark evening that marked Uganda’s official entry into the global Miss
Universe franchise, 29-year-old Mitchelle Daka from Budaka District was
crowned the inaugural Miss Universe Uganda 2026.
The grand finale, held on August 1, 2026, at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, brought together finalists from across the country in a competition that celebrated not only beauty and poise but also leadership, advocacy, and resilience.
Daka, an entrepreneur, model, and advocate for mental health and emotional awareness, emerged victorious from a strong field of top finalists. Representing the Eastern Region, she impressed judges with her confidence, international perspective, and clear vision for impact.
As Miss Universe Uganda 2026, Daka will represent the nation at the 75th Miss Universe competition scheduled for November 24, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her prizes included a brand-new Toyota Wish and a cash award of UGX 24 million, underscoring the significance of this historic debut for Uganda’s pageant landscape.
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Mitchelle Daka & Runner Up Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio Immediately after being announced Winner |
Complementing Daka’s win was a strong showcase by 19-year-old Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio of Kole District, who was named First Runner-Up and the clear winner of the People’s Choice Award.
The public vote reflected widespread admiration for the Northern Uganda native from the Lango sub-region. A former high school valedictorian who once planned to pursue biomedical engineering, Acio turned personal her adversity into purpose which the public related with.
Having endured bullying between the ages of 10 and 13, she has channeled that experience into youth mentoring and anti-bullying campaigns, including school outreach in Lira and Kole under the theme of mentoring youth, ending bullying, and unlocking purpose.
Acio’s authenticity and advocacy for young people—especially girls—resonated strongly with voters, securing her automatic placement among the top finalists and the additional title of Wellness Queen.
She also received a cash prize of UGX 5 million. Other top placements included Bridget Katungi as Second Runner-Up, Sureyah Umeimah as Third Runner-Up, and Jemima Mpoza as Fourth Runner-Up.
The inaugural Miss Universe Uganda pageant, organised under the banner “Beyond the Crown,” highlighted a new generation of Ugandan women committed to social causes ranging from mental health and education to gender equality and community development.
Contestants from diverse districts demonstrated that modern pageantry serves as a platform for national representation and meaningful change.
Daka’s crowning and Acio’s popular mandate together signal a promising start for Uganda on the international stage. As the country prepares for its first appearance at Miss Universe, both women embody the intelligence, grace, and purpose that organisers sought to showcase.
Their achievements mark not only personal triumphs but also a broader milestone for Ugandan women seeking to inspire and lead on a global platform.
Watch the Video of Miss Universe Uganda Mitchelle Daka being Crowned
