By Our Reporter
Almorie Nagayi, 19, from Masaka, Central Uganda, was crowned Miss Uganda 2026/2027 at a blissful event held at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Saturday.
Nagayi was an audience favourite, with many carrying placards bearing her face and chanting her name whenever she was announced. She hopes to use her crown to advocate for financial literacy and youth skilling, especially among women.
The First Runner-Up was Nakato Bridget Prudence, who was also named class president 2025/ 2026 and Top Model, while Rukia Balunywa was announced Second Runner-Up and Miss Congeniality.
This year’s Miss Uganda finale was a marriage of beauty, elegance and substance. It brought out the essence of the Miss Uganda theme ‘Beauty with a purpose’, from the way contestants responded with articulacy and poise when judges asked questions ranging from health to personal aspirations, leadership and patriotism, among others.
Between runway sequences and the inevitable gasp of the crowning moment, attendees were treated to great hosting from Rukundo Kenneth and Anita Fabiola and entertainment from the dance hall queen Karole Kasita, the Abeeka Band and veteran artist Grace Nakimera, whose classic and new hits brought nostalgia and had some young people singing along.
For Uganda’s Favourite Sherry- V&A, the event was an opportunity to give the audience a chance to taste the fruity and aromatic liqueur in different forms, namely the neat and the Vangria cocktails. It was also a perfect platform for the brand to reinforce its commitment to supporting platforms that empower women.
Rochart Kaweesa, Community Manager at UBL representing V&A Sherry, congratulated Nagayi on her well-deserved win and also explained why they have continued to support the Miss Uganda journey for four years in a row.
“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.” Rochart Kaweesa said.
V&A Sherry had a special moment to raise a toast to the 15 years of the Miss Uganda Foundation under the stewardship of Brenda Nanyonjo. The brand also rewarded Miss Popularity and Miss Photogenic with V&A hampers and the new Miss Uganda Nagayi as well, with a Shs 5m cash prize and a package.
Brenda Nanyonjo, CEO of the Miss Uganda Foundation, was elated at the turnout of the event, saying, “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.”
She expressed gratitude to the sponsors who supported the Foundation to hold an event of that magnitude, including V&A Sherry, Star Times Makula Kika that broadcast the event live, Evervess Malt, Oppein Home, 7days, Vaseline, U Home and the Sheraton Hotel.
Nagayi was ready to start her reign in grand style as she drove off in a brand new Toyota Wish. She will also be representing Uganda at the Miss World pageant.
Other accolades:
Miss Congeniality: Rukia Balunywa
Miss Top Model: Nakato Bridget Prudence
Miss Rising Woman: Christine Crystal Akankunda
Miss Photogenic: Almorie Nagayi
Miss Personality: Atim Victoria
Miss Talent: Arinda Maria Joyce
Multimedia Queen: Tabisa Patience Besigye
Sports Queen: Asianzu Spohie
Miss Popularity: Murungi Angel Liz
Miss Beach Beauty: Alum Eunice
President Class of 2025/2026: Nakato Bridget Prudence