On a night dripping in high fashion, intense emotion, and history, Mitchelle Daka emerged victorious as the first-ever Miss Universe Uganda, marking the country’s official entry into one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants.
Powered by V&A Sherry, the historic grand finale unfolded on Saturday night, August 1, at Kampala’s Imperial Royale Hotel, where elegance met ambition in a celebration that redefined modern Ugandan pageantry.
A Night of High Stakes and Glamour
Long before the winner was announced, the ballroom was buzzing. Sixteen finalists stood beneath dazzling white stage lights, clutching hands with smiles that mixed sheer confidence with nervous expectation.
In the audience, supporters waved custom placards while former beauty queens and socialites leaned in with bated breath. Hundreds of smartphones hovered above a sea of black tuxedos and shimmering evening gowns, ready to catch history in the making.
The atmosphere shifted the moment beloved hosts Dedan and Malaika called up the Chief Judge to hand the sealed envelope to Miss Universe Uganda National Director, Joram Muzira.
“And the winner is… Mitchelle Daka!”
For a split second, the ballroom went dead silent before erupting into loud cheers, deafening applause, and pure jubilation. Bouquets filled Daka’s arms while camera flashes turned the stage into a fireworks display. As the crown was gently placed on her head, Daka fought back tears before breaking into a radiant smile, quickly embraced by her fellow contestants in a beautiful show of sisterhood.
Star-Studded Entertainment & High Fashion
The Imperial Royale Hotel transformed into a living fashion spectacle. Sculpted gowns in rich jewel tones and metallic silvers glided alongside impeccably tailored tuxedos under cascading chandeliers.
It wasn’t just about the runway, though—the entertainment lineup kept the crowd on their feet all night. Electrifying performances by Maurice Kirya, Lilian Mbabazi, Tracy Melon, Minister Rachel K, and Valentino Kabenge turned the formal gala into a vibrant party.
Before the big reveal, Director Joram Muzira paused to thank the sponsors and partners who brought the inaugural vision to life, calling the event “a lesson in the power of collaboration.”
The Big Win & Prize Haul
As the inaugural queen, Mitchelle Daka didn’t just walk away with the crown and the honour of raising Uganda’s flag on the global Miss Universe stage—she also took home a handsome prize package:
• Shs 24 Million in cash
• A Toyota Wish, courtesy of the Miss Universe Uganda team
• Exclusive hamper packages from partner sponsors.
The Runners-Up & International Delegations:
• 1st Runner-up: Kimberly Jael Aremo (Shs 5M cash prize + slot to represent Uganda at Miss Africa)
• 2nd Runner-up: Bridget Katungi (Shs 3M cash prize + slot to compete at Miss Face of Tourism)
• 3rd Runner-up: Sureya Umeima
• International Delegate: Jemima Mpoza (Selected to represent Uganda at Miss Face of Humanity in China)
Full List of Category Winners
• People’s Choice: Kimberly Jael Aremo
• Multimedia Queen: Mitchelle Daka
• Miss Personality: Nabuzaale Elina
• Super Model Award: Teopista Aromach
• Wellness Queen: Kimberly Jael Aremo
• The Face of NRG & Play It Loud: Jemima Mpoza
• Best Swimsuit: Patience Mutesi & Joan Nabatanzi
• Miss Congeniality: Bridget Katungi
• Miss Photogenic: Faith Mugisha
• Miss Universe V&A Award: Mitchelle Daka
For Mitchelle Daka, this victory is far more than a personal triumph—it signals Uganda’s grand arrival on the global pageantry map and opens doors for generations of young Ugandan women dreaming way beyond the spotlight.