Uganda and Ecuador Prepare for Miss Universe 2026 Pageants

Uganda crowned its first Miss Universe representative, 25‑year‑old Mitchelle Daka, after she won Miss Uganda and the “Multimedia Travel Queen” award. Daka, who advocates for mental‑health awareness, will compete for the first time in the Miss Universe 2026 competition, scheduled for 24 November 2026 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The national franchise was secured by talent‑scout Joram Job Muzira, who founded Miss Universe Uganda.

In Ecuador, the Miss Universe Ecuador 2026 preliminaries took place on 6 August in Ambato, Tungurahua, with 26 candidates evaluated on stage presence, elegance and projection. The gala was streamed live for free via Ecuavisa Play, YouTube and other platforms. The final will be held on 15 August in Santa Elena, where the outgoing queen Nadia Mejía will hand over the crown to her successor, who will represent Ecuador at the international Miss Universe contest.