Kyambogo University wins national inter-university debate competition
The Kyambogo team received the trophy in a jubilant mood, accompanied by their principal warden, William Ngabirano.
The students of Kyambogo University, Henry Kyewalyanga (second right), Rahim Osama Kibirango (centre), displaying a trophy with their principal warden, William Ngabirano, after being declared the winners of the debate during the National Inter-University Debate Competition 2026 Grand Final at Makerere University in Kampala on September 29, 2026. (Photos by Francis Emorut)
________________
Kyambogo University emerged winner of the 2026 National Inter-University Debate Competition, taking home the competition trophy after students from universities across the country battled over issues affecting higher education.
The Kyambogo team received the trophy in a jubilant mood, accompanied by their principal warden, William Ngabirano.
The competition, sponsored by UNESCO, brought together universities from Uganda's central, eastern, western and northern regions and was held at Makerere University in Kampala on September 29, 2026.
According to the organisers, 29 universities had enrolled for the competition, but only 12 confirmed their attendance.
The event was the second inter-university debate competition held under the theme: “Student Health, Safety and Well-being: A Catalyst for Enhanced Education Outcomes and Academic Excellence in Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.”
The participating universities included Makerere University, Makerere University Business School, Kampala International University, Kyambogo University, Gulu University and Lira University.
Front row: The commissioner at the Ministry of Education, Michael Wanyama (fourth left) with the coordinator UNESCO regional office for East Africa, Charles Draecabo (fifth left), assistant commissioner John Ochira (fourth right) pose for a photograph with university students during the National Inter-University Debate Competition 2026 Grand Final at Makerere University in Kampala on Wednesday Sept 29, 206.
Others were Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kumi University, Soroti University, Bishop Stuart University and Uganda Pentecostal University.
Makerere University emerged second runner-up, while Kampala International University took third place.
Among the participants who demonstrated strong debating skills was Ben Damascus Makeme, a person with albinism pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration at Gulu University.
Makeme was awarded a medal for his performance, while other participating students received certificates.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr Kedrace Turyagenda, who was represented by the commissioner for the Higher Education Students' Financing Scheme, Michael Wanyama, urged students to use their debating skills to address challenges in society.
She urged universities to use evidence generated from students and other stakeholders to continuously improve their health, safety and well-being systems and services.
The permanent secretary assured students that the ministry would continue working with universities and other stakeholders to strengthen an enabling environment for quality education, student welfare, safety, inclusion and well-being.
She also called on students to report unsafe situations and incidents through the appropriate channels, saying their voices matter.
“Platforms such as this debate provide an important avenue for you to articulate concerns, challenge assumptions and propose practical solutions. You are not merely beneficiaries of university services; you are important partners in creating healthy and safe campuses,” Turyagenda stated.
The coordinator of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Africa, Charles Dreacabo, pledged continued collaboration with the Government, key stakeholders, universities and young people to ensure that every learner has the opportunity to thrive in an environment that supports academic success and personal well-being.
“Let the voices we have heard today shape the policies we design tomorrow. Let us move from debate to action, from ideas to impact, and from commitment to measurable change.
The future of our universities depends not only on what students learn, but on how well they live, lead, and thrive,” Dreacabo said.