Ugandan beauty queen, philanthropist and mental health advocate Birungi Amber Grace is set to take Uganda’s flag to the international stage after being appointed Miss Glamour Look International Uganda 2026, adding another milestone to her growing journey in beauty pageantry and community empowerment.
The Senior Five student of Taibah International School will represent Uganda at the international competition scheduled for November 26 to December 4, 2026, in Quezon City, Philippines, where she will join 26 other contestants from across the world for the global beauty showcase.
The competition, branded The Merge Edition, brings together Miss Glamour Look International and Mister Glam International under a shared platform celebrating beauty, masculinity, diversity, people, culture, tourism and a better tomorrow.
For Birungi, the international appointment is not merely another beauty title. It presents an opportunity to showcase Uganda’s identity while using her growing public profile to champion mental health awareness, particularly among children, young people and girls.
Birungi is the founder of the Amber Grace Birungi Foundation and is also involved in mental health advocacy through the Mindful Mind initiative, which seeks to sensitise communities about mental health and encourage conversations about emotional and psychological well-being.
Dr Olive Nabiryo said Birungi’s advocacy was particularly important because of its focus on young people.
“Her advocacy under Mindful Mind, she is sensitising the public about mental health, especially with the youth and children, and young girls,” Dr Nabiryo said.
The advocacy adds substance to Birungi’s pageantry journey, demonstrating how beauty platforms can provide opportunities for young women to engage with social issues affecting their communities.
A growing portfolio of titles
Birungi’s latest appointment builds on a series of achievements in the beauty industry.
Her titles include Miss High School Uganda 2024, first runner-up Miss Teen Pearl of Africa 2025, Miss Africa International Uganda 2025 and her latest recognition as Miss Glamour Look International Uganda 2026.
Her progression through the competitions reflects her continued involvement in the pageantry industry and ambition to establish an international presence while pursuing her education.
Through the Amber Grace Birungi Foundation and Mindful Mind initiative, she is also associated with community empowerment and efforts to raise awareness about mental health challenges affecting children, young people and girls.
Nine days of international activities
According to the Dr. Olive Nabiryo also the mother of the queen star, the international event will run from November 26 to December 4, featuring activities designed to expose participants to cultural exchange, media engagements, modelling, tourism and charitable initiatives.
The programme opens on November 26 with registration, check-in and a welcome dinner.
On November 27, contestants will participate in a full day of pictorials, filmmaking videos and the sash ceremony, formally introducing participants to the competition.
November 28 will feature a full-day Photoshoot for a Cause, alongside models’ media engagements and a press presentation.
The following day, November 29, will feature closed-door interviews with contestants and the Fashion of the World runway show, providing participants with an opportunity to showcase fashion and cultural diversity.
On November 30, contestants will participate in a Manila city tour and models’ fun day, giving them an opportunity to experience the Philippines and interact beyond the competition activities.
The programme continues on December 1 with the preliminary competition, alongside the Asia’s Man and Woman of the Year Excellence Awards Charity Gala and Ball.
On December 2, participants will undertake model training and final rehearsals ahead of the grand finale.
Uganda’s moment on the international stage
The climax will take place on December 3, when the World Grand Finale will feature two major competitions.
Mister Glam International is scheduled to take place from 2pm to 5pm, while Miss Glamour Look International will follow from 6pm to 10pm.
Birungi will compete in the women’s category, representing Uganda among the 27 international participants.
The activities will conclude on December 4 with winners’ pictorials, photoshoots and the departure of contestants.
The organisers have positioned the competition as more than a conventional beauty pageant, using the theme “More Than a Pageant, A Greater Purpose” to emphasise people, culture, tourism and a better tomorrow.
For Birungi, the international platform offers an opportunity to connect her pageantry achievements with her interest in philanthropy, youth development and mental health advocacy.
Her journey from Miss High School Uganda 2024 to Miss Glamour Look International Uganda 2026 illustrates her continued participation in beauty competitions while balancing her education and building a public profile around issues that extend beyond the runway.
As she prepares to represent Uganda in Quezon City, attention will be on her performance at the grand finale and her ability to use the international platform to promote Uganda’s cultural identity and the causes she champions.
Beyond the crown, Birungi’s participation presents an opportunity to demonstrate how beauty, confidence, education, leadership and social responsibility can work together to create a greater purpose.
