The ballroom at the Sheraton Kampala shimmered with light, music, and restless anticipation as hundreds waited for the words that would define the evening.
When the announcement came, the room erupted: Trivia Elle Muhoza, a 22-year-old from Bukomansimbi, was crowned Miss Uganda 2025. Placards bearing her face waved in the air. Supporters leapt from their seats.
In that moment, Muhoza was more than just the “fairest lady in the land.” She became a new voice for young Ugandans, carrying a crown that comes with both glamour and weight. Muhoza’s journey to the crown was not defined solely by her beauty or poise.
The defining moment came during the question-and-answer segment, where contestants were asked how they would inspire Ugandans to keep their cities clean. Nervous but steady, Muhoza leaned into the microphone.
“One of the ways I would help Ugandans improve their environment would be encouraging them to use recycling,” she began.
“I would encourage awareness that garbage and plastic bottles cause problems in our environment. I would like people to know how these things affect them, and I would help by creating awareness and teaching them how to recycle.”
Her answer was not flawless; she stumbled, paused, even smiled apologetically, but the humility and determination behind her words rang true. The judges and audience saw not just a contestant rehearsing a line, but a young woman willing to wrestle with her nerves to say what mattered.
Later, asked which single issue she would tackle if given the platform of Miss Uganda, Muhoza did not hesitate: gender-based violence.
“I think the biggest problem in Uganda today would be gender- based violence,” she said, her voice rising with conviction.
“In Uganda today, 95% of women face gender- based violence—not only physical, but also emotional, financial, and sexual violence. Some people are facing domestic violence and they don’t even know they are. With this platform, I would love to create awareness, offer financial help and skills training, and I believe we can change and reduce the amount of gender-based violence in Uganda today.”
The hall fell into an extended applause. In those few minutes, Muhoza signaled she was ready to wear the crown not as a decorative emblem but as a mandate for change.
TRIUMPHS, REWARDS, AND THE ROAD AHEAD
Her poise, coupled with her thoughtful responses, earned her the crown, a brand-new Toyota Wish, and a cash prize of five million shillings courtesy of V&A, the pageant’s headline sponsor.
She will now represent Uganda at the Miss World competition, where she hopes to showcase both beauty and advocacy on a global stage. But she wasn’t the only star of the night. Agatha Drakes Keine was named first runner-up, sweeping additional titles including Multimedia Queen and Miss Photogenic.
Faith Kirabo came in as second runner-up and also carried the Miss Beach Beauty title. Other contestants shone in specialty categories: Gillians Tracy Akot (Miss Congeniality), Patricia Nairuba (Top Model), Aminah Nalubega (Miss Rising Woman), Bathsheba Gift Namugga (Miss Personality), and Rebecca Akampulira (Miss Talent).
Elizabeth Jemimah Nelima was named President of the Class of 2025/2026, a ceremonial role that highlighted camaraderie beyond competition. The crowning was the climax of a night that blended fashion, performance and spectacle.
Contestants dazzled in runway showcases, while artists such as Tracy Mellon, R&B veteran Aziz Azion, Grace Nakimera, and the Abeeka band electrified the crowd with live performances. The Miss Uganda pageant is built on more than sequins and sashes. This year, sponsors emphasized social change alongside entertainment.
V&A Sherry, the headline sponsor, provided seed funding for community projects proposed by contestants.
“As V&A, we are glad to have reached this crowning moment,” said Hillary Baguma, brand manager of Mainstream Spirits at Uganda Breweries Limited.
“Our goals align with the Miss Uganda Foundation’s vision of ‘Beauty with a Purpose,’ and we shall continue walking this journey with them.”
For the Miss Uganda Foundation, which trains and mentors the contestants, the event marked the end of months of preparation. CEO Brenda Nanyonjo was visibly proud of how far the finalists had come.
“What a night! It has been a long journey and we have seen the growth and development of the girls. Only one was crowned, but they are all winners in their own right,” she said.
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