West Nile schools challenged to revive public speaking culture
"We need to invest time, finances and human resources in public speaking. Even with limited resources, we can nurture confident speakers who will positively influence society," Amadriyo said.
Students of St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, Erepi, receive their trophy after emerging overall champions in the West Nile Regional Debate Competition. (Credit: John Paul Opio)
WEST NILE - Education stakeholders have urged schools across the West Nile region to revitalise public speaking and debate programmes, saying they are essential for developing learners' communication, leadership and critical thinking skills.
The call was made during the West Nile Regional Speech and Debate Championship qualifiers organised by the National Debate Council Uganda, where St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School Erepi, emerged overall champions after defeating Mvara Secondary School in the finals.
The competition held on June 4, 2026, attracted 14 secondary schools, which competed in debate, public speaking, poetry and storytelling under the National Schools Debate Championship and the National Speech and Debate Championship.
This year's championship focused on promoting Transparency, Accountability and Anti-Corruption (TAAC), with participants debating issues related to education, health, infrastructure, climate change, environmental conservation and technology.
"We need to invest time, finances and human resources in public speaking. Even with limited resources, we can nurture confident speakers who will positively influence society," Amadriyo said.
She urged schools to revive debate clubs and public speaking forums to help learners develop confidence, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in today's society.
Some of the students from participating schools who emerged victors in public speaking at Bishop Angelo Tarantino Senior School. (Credit: John Paul Opio)
"We appeal to school administrators to create space for these programs. Learners who participate in debates and public speaking gain exposure, exchange ideas and develop skills that go beyond the classroom. A school that gives learners such opportunities is shaping future leaders," Mugisha said.
He said the championship not only engages learners in critical thinking but also inspires them to return to their schools as ambassadors for transparency, accountability and anti-corruption.
Sarah Violet Grace, a student at Bishop Angelo Tarantino Secondary School, encouraged fellow young people to overcome fear and embrace public speaking.
"Many young people shy away from speaking before audiences, yet the skill is important in education, leadership and employment. We should be confident enough to express our ideas because public speaking opens many opportunities," she said.
The National Debate Council Uganda said the regional competitions are intended to nurture informed, ethical and active citizens by empowering young people to discuss national issues and propose solutions through constructive dialogue.