The race for Uganda’s tourism crown has officially begun, with 35 young women and nine men unveiled as contestants for the 2026 Miss Tourism Uganda and Man of Tourism competitions.
The contestants were introduced to the public over the weekend at Kampala Serena Hotel in a colourful ceremony that turned the pageant into a celebration of Uganda’s cultural diversity.
Representing different regions and cultural backgrounds, the contestants took turns on the runway in traditional outfits, giving the audience a glimpse of the heritage, they will be expected to champion if crowned.
The applause grew louder with each introduction, with several contestants receiving standing ovations as they showcased the cultures and identities of the communities they represent.
For the organisers, however, this year’s competition is about more than beauty, confidence and a glamorous crown.
Miss Tourism Uganda public relations officer Saina Musasizi thanked the audience for showing up to support the contestants, describing the unveiling as an important step in their journey.
“We would like to thank you all for coming out to support and showing love for our contestants tonight,” Musasizi said.
With the contestants now known, the competition moves into its more demanding phase. The 35 women will enter a boot camp where they will undergo preparations ahead of the grand finale, while the nine men battle for the Man of Tourism title.
The finale will be held on September 4 at Kampala Serena Hotel under the theme “AI, Culture and Tourism.”
The choice of theme gives this year’s pageant a more contemporary edge. Rather than treating culture and technology as opposing forces, the organisers want to explore how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies can help Uganda package, preserve and promote its cultural heritage.
Culture remains the keeper of Uganda’s history, traditions and identity, but technology increasingly offers new ways to tell those stories to audiences far beyond the country’s borders.
That intersection is likely to give the contestants more to prove than their appearance and stage presence. They will also be expected to demonstrate how they understand Uganda’s tourism potential and how they can use their platforms to contribute to its promotion.
Beyond the title and responsibilities that come with becoming Miss Tourism Uganda, the 2026 winner will receive a fully furnished rented house in Bwebajja along Entebbe Road for the duration of her reign.
For the contestants, the runway unveiling was only the beginning. The real contest now moves to the boot camp, where confidence, cultural knowledge, intelligence and their ability to represent Uganda’s tourism story will increasingly matter.
On September 4, one woman will walk away with the crown, while one of the nine male contestants will claim the inaugural spotlight as Man of Tourism.
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