Parental Care PS, Kyeizooba Girls shine at regional debate championship

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Parental Care Nursery and Primary School, Bushenyi, and Kyeizooba Girls Secondary School have emerged as winners in the junior and senior categories, respectively, at the second annual regional debate championship.

The competition, organised by the Teachers Debate Network (TDN), was hosted at Kyeizooba Girls Secondary School on March 17, 2026, under the theme: “Empowering young voices on mental health and culture in a modern era.”

The tournament attracted participants from several secondary schools in the greater Bushenyi sub-region, including Ndekye Secondary School, Kibingo Girls Secondary School, Ruyonza School, Kyamuhunga Secondary School, Kyabugimbi Secondary School, Ijumo Progressive School and the hosts, Kyeizooba Girls Secondary School.

The competition, organised by the Teachers Debate Network (TDN), was hosted at Kyeizooba Girls Secondary School on March 17, 2026. (Photo by Bruno Mugizi)

At the primary level, Parental Care Nursery and Primary School competed alongside Pearl Junior School, Bweranyangi Junior School and others.

Junior category

In the junior category final, Parental Care Nursery and Primary School defeated Pearl Junior School with a 5–0 unanimous decision. The winning team comprised Isaiah Ayebare, Dee Nimusiima and Tracy Ainembabazi.

This victory marks the second consecutive year that Parental Care has lifted the championship trophy, underlining its strength in nurturing young debaters.

Senior category

In the senior category, hosts Kyeizooba Girls Secondary School triumphed over St Kagwa High School, Bushenyi, to clinch the title. The contest drew intense competition, with schools demonstrating strong research, articulation and critical thinking on mental health issues.

Pearl Junior School’s Peter Ayebare was named Best Speaker, while Tracy Nayebare of Parental Care PS, Bushenyi, won the Overall Personality award.

Leaders speak out

Eric Gumoshabe, the deputy headteacher of Nyakayojo Secondary School and one of the organisers, said rising mental health challenges among learners are driven by domestic violence, academic pressure, financial stress, peer influence and social expectations.

“You find some learners coming from homes affected by domestic violence, others struggling with financial stress, while many are overwhelmed by academic pressure and parental expectations. Peer influence and social expectations also add to this burden,” he said.

“When all these factors combine, learners develop anxiety, stress and other mental health challenges, which can easily affect their performance and wellbeing,” he added.

He emphasised the importance of early awareness.|

“That is why we believe sensitisation should start at the primary level. Learners need to understand mental health early and be guided to focus on what they can control, while learning to let go of what they cannot,” he said.

Kyeizooba Girls Secondary School headteacher, Dr Catherine Nuwagira, commended the organisers for promoting leadership among learners.

“Even if you have words that can rouse crowds, you must know where you are leading them. Words are powerful; they can build or destroy. As you prepare to become leaders, ensure your confidence is guided by integrity,” she said.

Beyongyera Bright, the debate trainer at Parental Care Nursery and Primary School, attributed the school’s success to consistent training and belief in learners’ potential.

“We invest fully in our children because every child has the ability to excel. Discipline, hard work and faith have been key,” he said.

Voices of the champions

The students expressed gratitude to their teachers and parents for the support. Daisy Nimusiima described the victory as a dream come true.

“I feel like I am on top of the mountain. The school supports us fully, and we pray to remain consistent,” she said.

Isaiah Ayebare noted that the competition strengthened their confidence and teamwork, while Tracy Ainembabazi credited the school for nurturing their talents and shaping them into responsible individuals.

Mental health in focus

This year’s theme comes at a time when mental health challenges are increasingly affecting young people in Uganda.

According to the Ministry of Health, mental health disorders account for about 13% of the country’s disease burden, while the World Health Organisation estimates that one in four Ugandans is likely to experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime.

Experts attribute this trend to academic pressure, social challenges and increased digital exposure, which continue to affect learners’ well-being.

Building future leaders

Organisers said the championship is designed to empower learners to confidently discuss societal issues while sharpening their communication skills.

With their victories, Parental Care Nursery and Primary School and Kyeizooba Girls Secondary School have cemented their reputation as centres of excellence in co-curricular activities in the greater Bushenyi sub-region.