The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | V&A Sherry has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment after hosting Mitchelle Daka, Uganda’s first-ever Miss Universe Uganda, at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) headquarters in Luzira as she prepares to represent the country on the global stage.
Daka, who was crowned on Aug. 1, was joined by first runner-up Kimberly Jael Aremo and Top Supermodel Teopista Aromach during the visit, which also marked the beginning of her journey as the 2026 Face of V&A.
Her crowning has opened a new chapter for Uganda in the international pageant industry. Daka is expected to become the first Ugandan to compete at the Miss Universe competition when she represents the country in Puerto Rico in November.
For V&A Sherry, however, the partnership with Daka began before the Miss Universe Uganda finale. The brand had already selected her as its Face of V&A, citing her qualities and potential. Her subsequent victory has given the partnership a new dimension as she prepares to carry Uganda’s flag onto the international stage.
“We decided to host the queens to show them where the amazing V&A Sherry is made, to show our support and congratulate them upon winning. They will be going to the global pageants, and we promise to keep supporting them as they represent our country on the global stage,” said Roy Ronald Tumwizere, Brand Manager, V&A Sherry.
The visit saw the queens tour the UBL brewery, meet members of the company’s leadership and get a closer look at the production environment behind the V&A Sherry brand.
UBL Marketing Director Catherine Ndungu said the company was proud of Daka and the other women who took part in the inaugural Miss Universe Uganda competition.
“First, allow me to say that you all look so beautiful. I and the team here are very proud of you, and we are excited to see what the partnership with Miss Universe Uganda means for the brand.”
The partnership between V&A Sherry and the Miss Universe Uganda platform is being framed around women’s empowerment, with the brand positioning the pageant as an opportunity to support women pursuing their ambitions and representing their communities.
UBL Head of Spirits Hilda Aguti said the company hoped the partnership would extend beyond the inaugural competition.
“We congratulate you for winning, and we would like to see what our partnership with the Miss Universe platform is going to be like beyond the run. We appreciate the good work done by Joram and team because it is in line with what V&A stands for- women empowerment.”
Joram Muzira, Director of Miss Universe Uganda, said the support from V&A Sherry had been important to the inaugural pageant and its broader objective of empowering women.
“We are so grateful to V&A Sherry for supporting our cause to empower women. We are so excited that they chose us at our maiden event, and our queens will be bearing the flag at the global stages, starting with Mitchelle at the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico in November.”
For Daka, the visit also brought together two milestones that had developed separately but are now increasingly intertwined: becoming the Face of V&;A and winning the inaugural Miss Universe Uganda crown.
She thanked V&A for believing in her and selecting her as Face of V&A before she became Miss Universe Uganda, expressing hope that the partnership would be mutually beneficial.
The brand says Daka’s journey reflects its “Yours to Share” philosophy, which centres on the idea that achievements and meaningful moments gain greater value when shared.
As Uganda prepares to make its debut on the Miss Universe stage, Daka will now carry not only the country’s hopes to Puerto Rico but also the backing of a brand that identified her potential before the crown.
