For the first time in its 75-year history, the world-famous Miss Universe beauty pageant has officially arrived in Uganda. The search for the first Miss Universe Uganda was launched this morning at an elegant press conference held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, and it is already shaping up to be one of the biggest and most glamorous events to look forward to this year. The pageant will feature a series of events over the next few weeks, starting with online auditions, physical casting, the unveiling of finalists, and a grand finale in August.
Started in 1952, Miss Universe is one of the oldest and most-watched international beauty pageants in the world. Today, it focuses on leadership, community service, and women’s empowerment. The current reigning Miss Universe is Fátima Bosch of Mexico. While this is Uganda’s first time to participate, several African women have won the global title in the past, including: Margaret Gardine (South Africa, 1978), Mpule Kwelagobe (Botswana, 1999), Leila Lopes (Angola, 2011), Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (South Africa, 2017), and Zozibini Tunzi (South Africa, 2019).
The Ugandan franchise has been taken over by Joram Muzira Job, a well-known Kampala model scout and pageant coach, who is also serving as Country Director. Speaking at the launch, he emphasized that this pageant is all about inclusivity. Unlike traditional beauty pageants that have strict rules about weight, height, and marital status, Miss Universe is open to its to all kinds of women, which makes it even more exciting.
“This pageant is unlike those we are used to, with an emphasis on inclusivity of the contestants. Women from any age above 18 are welcome to shoot their shot at the crown. Tall, short, married, tattooed—all are welcome,” Muzira said.
Mothers and married women are allowed to compete, and there are no height limits or rules against tattoos. The focus has shifted from just looks to what a woman can do for her community. This year’s theme is “Beyond the Crown,” which highlights the impact the winner will make long after her crowning moment.
Joram Muzira Job is not a new face in this pageantry space as he is one of the most respected names in the East African modeling and fashion industry. As the founder of Joram Model Management, he has spent over ten years discovering and training young Ugandan models, many of whom have gone on to work with major international fashion brands in Paris, New York, and London. His experience as a pageant coach and talent agent makes him the perfect fit to lead Uganda’s first-ever Miss Universe search.
Auditions will start online, with interested girls posting videos on Instagram to get the judges’ attention. After the online phase, a physical casting will be held at Motiv in Kampala on June 7, 2026. From there, 30 lucky finalists will be selected to head to an intensive training camp at Silverline Country Resort, outside Kampala. The winner will be crowned on 1st August.
The prizes for the winner are substantial, including:
1. A BRAND NEW CAR
2. A MONTHLY SALARY OF 2 MILLION UGX
3. A BEAUTY CARE CONTRACT ( A year of supply of beauty products, unlimited skin care treatment, dermatology care, & more)
4. PREMIUM COSMETICS SUPPLY (A year-long supply of makeup & haircare products)
5. DESIGNER WARDROBE (Access to custom clothing from top Ugandan designers for events and public appearances)
6. AN ALL-EXPENSES-PAID TRIP TO PUERTO RICO TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 75TH EDITION OF MISS UNIVERSE
7. MEDIA EXPOSURE & TALENT MANAGEMENT WITH JORAM MODEL MANAGEMENT
The launch also featured a panel discussion with media and corporate partners who discussed how pageantry can empower young women and what Ugandans should expect from this debut. These included; NRG and Play it Loud, Hair by Zziwa, A Woman’s Worth, Bella Zuri, Women at Work (WAWI), ATS Events and Pluggedin Communications.
Muzira noted that this is a massive opportunity for the country. “This is a big milestone for Uganda as the country gets to take a global stage,” he said, adding that it will put Uganda’s talent and culture in front of millions of viewers worldwide.
To participate, visit www.missuniverseuganda.co.ug for all details and requirements.
