Almorie Nagayi, a 19-year-old from Masaka District, has been crowned Miss Uganda 2026/2027, winning a brand-new Toyota Wish and pledging to use her reign to promote financial literacy and youth skilling, particularly among women.
Nagayi was crowned at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Saturday, October 10, following a finale that brought together contestants assessed on beauty, confidence, communication skills and their ability to articulate ideas on health, leadership, patriotism and personal aspirations.
She emerged as a crowd favourite throughout the event, with supporters holding placards bearing her image and chanting her name whenever she was announced.
Nagayi succeeds the previous titleholder and will represent Uganda at the Miss World pageant.
Bridget Prudence Nakato was named first runner-up, also winning the Miss Top Model award and being selected as president of the 2025/2026 class. Rukia Balunywa finished as second runner-up and won Miss Congeniality.
Nagayi also won the Miss Photogenic award, adding to her achievements on the night.
Other award winners included Christine Crystal Akankunda, who was named Miss Rising Woman; Atim Victoria, Miss Personality; Arinda Maria Joyce, Miss Talent; Tabisa Patience Besigye, Multimedia Queen; Asianzu Spohie, Sports Queen; Murungi Angel Liz, Miss Popularity; and Alum Eunice, Miss Beach Beauty.
The finale featured performances by dancehall artiste Karole Kasita, Abeeka Band and veteran singer Grace Nakimera. Kenneth Rukundo and Anita Fabiola hosted the event.
The ceremony also marked 15 years of the Miss Uganda Foundation, led by chief executive officer Brenda Nanyonjo, who commended the contestants for their growth throughout the competition.
“What a night! This year’s journey has been truly special. We marked 15 years, and I have seen the Class of 2026/2027 blossom and become the divas they truly are. Only one was crowned, but they are all queens in their capacities,” Ms Nanyonjo said.
She thanked the sponsors who supported the event, including V&A Sherry, StarTimes Makula Kika, which broadcast the finale live, Evervess Malt, Oppein Home, 7days, Vaseline, U Home and Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
V&A Sherry, which has supported the pageant for four consecutive years, rewarded Nagayi with a Shs5 million cash prize and a package. The brand also presented hampers to the winners of the Miss Popularity and Miss Photogenic awards.
Rochart Kaweesa, the community manager at Uganda Breweries Limited, which represents V&A Sherry, congratulated Nagayi and said the partnership with the pageant reflected shared commitments to women's empowerment.
“The Miss Uganda journey has been on a roll, and as V&A, we are glad to have reached this crowning moment. We are excited because this year’s finale is not only special but momentous, as the Miss Uganda Foundation also marked 15 years of empowering women, something we also stand for. Our goals align, and that is why we have continued walking with them,” he said.
The event also provided an opportunity for V&A Sherry to showcase its products, with guests sampling the liqueur neat and in Vangria cocktails.
Nagayi's victory was capped by the presentation of a brand-new Toyota Wish, which she drove away in after the ceremony.