By Our Reporter
The Miss Uganda Foundation, in partnership with V&A Sherry, hosted the Miss Uganda Talent Night on Friday, September 25, at Arirang Hotel, giving the 22 Miss Uganda finalists a chance to trade pageant poise for the stage and show audiences what they could do beyond sashes, tiaras, and the runway.
Starting at 8pm, supporters cheered on their favourites and sipped V&A Sherry through an evening that moved between Uganda’s cultural traditions and contemporary influences.
Roy Ronald Tumwizere, the V&A Sherry Brand Manager, said the night reflected the brand’s commitment to Ugandan talent and to women’s empowerment, noting that this year marks the fourth year V&A Sherry has supported the Miss Uganda journey.
“V&A Sherry believes in creating opportunities for Ugandan talent to be seen, celebrated and supported. Our choice to partner with Miss Uganda for now four years has given these young women who participate in the contest a platform to express who they are. Our support is also rooted in our commitment to women’s empowerment and helping them confidently take their place in society,” he said.
Dance carried much of the night’s energy. Shanda Nalumu used movement to tell stories drawn from different cultures, while Hilda’s Naluwu of Buikwe performed Kiganda dances; Bakisimba, Nankasa and Muwogola, a routine that turned into a dance-off when a member of the audience joined in, trading moves with her to the crowd’s delight. Contemporary style took over with Victoria Atim’s pop and dancehall routine; Angel Liz Murungi’s blend of Amapiano, electronic dance and Lingala; Hilab Jasmin Kagabo’s Indian dance and Halima Nabende’s Kadodi.
Music brought its own highlights, with Faith Nabirye Magero singing Brian Lubega’s Nungamya and Shivan Owomugisha performing My Valentine. Poetry offered a more reflective note, with Peace Baliwaali exploring purpose and empowerment and Anita Azoa Acero performing a poem about beauty.
Drama tackled weightier themes, with Catherine Taneta presenting a piece on domestic violence, and Maria Joyce Arinda and Tabitha Besigye also commanding the stage with skits addressing women’s empowerment, respect and education.
Fashion and visual art rounded out the showcase. Rukia Balunywa presented her designs through models, Sophie Asianzu demonstrated her artistic talent through painting, and Nakato Bridget Prudence showcased her tie-and-dye pieces featuring vibrant prints.
The finalists doubled as the night’s MCs, with Murungi Angel Liz and Hilab Jasmin Kagabo hosting, supported by Arinda. Other finalists also took their turns on stage, performing dance and song of their own alongside those singled out above.
Guests were encouraged to keep voting for the finalists for the popularity vote, as it will give the winner an automatic spot in the top 5 winners at the grand finale.
The winner of the talent night, also known as Miss Talent, will be announced at the grand finale on October 10 at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, where the winner of Miss Uganda 2026/2027 will be crowned.
