Why Kyambogo College wants boarding section

________________

The administration of Wakiso district-based Kyambogo College School is seeking government approval to run a boarding section.

The administration says the move would enable them to accommodate students who come from upcountry to participate in the youth debates.

“I appeal to you to support our vision by granting us the opportunity to fully operate as a boarding school. With your approval, we can deepen our impact and nurture more responsible citizens,” headteacher Stanley Mugume said.

With modern facilities and a proven track record, Mugume says, the school is prepared to provide a supportive environment where students can live, learn and grow into useful citizens.

He made the remarks during the opening of the fourth edition of the Youth Debate and Literary Championships organised by the Thenuel Debate and Literary Fronesis (TDELF) at Kyambogo College School on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

This year’s championship, held under the theme: Propelling Social Justice, Quality Education, and Culture for Sustainable Development, addresses the pressing issues of our time: Systemic inequalities, access to education, and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.

The schools that qualified for the national youth debate championship, include Mukura Memorial Secondary School, Lumino High School, Kyambogo College, St John's Nyabwina Secondary School, Kyamate Secondary School, St Paul's SS-Bukinda, Bududa Child Development Centre, Opuyo Child Development Centre and Mufutu Bumbo Child Development Centre.

According to Mugume, youth debates offer hope by uniting young minds from across Uganda to champion quality education, cultural values and sustainable development.

“Today, we gather not merely to debate or recite poetry, but to equip youth with the faith and wisdom to shape a just and equitable society. When nurtured with responsibility, honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, and humility, youth blossom into leaders,” Mugume said.

Maintain standards

Responding to Mugume’s request, education ministry Directorate of Education director Frances Atima emphasised their commitment to quality.

“As long as Kyambogo College teachers meet our standards, we will grant permission for the boarding section,” Atima said.

Since one of the pillars of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) is to increase access to education. Atima assured parents that approving a boarding section does not close doors for day students.

To seek permission, Atima revealed that “part of the regulations start from parents coming up with a resolution, and willing to take on that responsibility. As much as the school wants to have boarding, we don’t want to lose sight of the original objective of the school is to ensure access for the neighbouring children.”

As youth engage in debate, poetry, and quiz competitions, TDELF director Emmanuel Obore revealed that youth are not just competing for trophies or medals, but they are forging solutions, igniting ideas and cultivating leaders who will shape policies and transform communities.

“Let us harness the art and science of debate, the beauty of poetry, and the rigor of quizzes to propel social justice, quality education, and cultural appreciation,” Obore said.

According to the education ministry permanent secretary, Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda, social justice, quality education, cultural values, and sustainable development are interwoven threads in the fabric of our nation’s progress.

For instance, social justice, Turyagyenda said, countries such as Uganda are grappling with inequalities, including access to education, healthcare, or economic opportunities.

“Social justice calls us to confront these disparities and advocate for a society where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. Through your debates and literary expressions, you are giving voice to the voiceless, challenging systemic inequities, and proposing solutions that can shape policies and mindsets,” she added.

On the issue of quality education, Turyagyenda said, they are committed to ensuring that every child in Uganda receives an education that equips them with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

According to Turyagyenda, Quality education is not just about passing exams, it is about fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

“It is about preparing the youth to navigate complex global challenges while remaining rooted in the values that define us as Ugandans. By engaging in debates, you are learning to articulate your thoughts logically and persuasively”.

Turyagyenda’s remarks were contained in her speech delivered by Atima.