Eight Ugandan Toastmasters heading for East African competition

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Eight Ugandans have secured the opportunity to represent Uganda and Rwanda at the East African Toastmasters competition in May, set to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Of these, six will represent Uganda, while two will represent Rwanda.

The finalists were selected from a pool of 18 competitors at the annual Toastmasters District 114, Division F and G Conference, held on March 29, 2025, at Silver Springs Hotel in Bugolobi.

The competition brought together aspiring speakers and leaders in a vibrant display of public speaking talent.

Ann Maria Nakimera, Division F director, emphasised the organisation's core mission of nurturing leadership, communication, public speaking, and self-confidence.

Ann Maria Nakimera, Division F Director, emphasized the organization's core mission of nurturing leadership, communication, public speaking, and self-confidence. (Photo by John Musenze)

She highlighted that the selection process involved independent judges, with competitions starting at the grassroots level across more than 20 Toastmasters clubs.

"The six representatives for Uganda and two for Rwanda will now proceed to compete at the East African level, which includes countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and others," Nakimera stated.

She encouraged participants to recognise the power of their voices, adding, "Your voice isn’t just sound—it’s a tool for transformation, influence, and leadership. This is where you learn to use it!"

The event featured a keynote speech from Tony Otoa, chief corporate affairs officer at the Uganda National Oil Company Limited (UNOC).

Otoa praised Toastmasters for its role in shaping confident communicators and leaders in Uganda.

"No one has ever changed the world by being silent—unless you’re a librarian," Otoa quipped. "Even if what you’re saying doesn’t make sense, present it so well that people say, ‘Okay, I didn’t understand, but wow, that was something'."

Ann Maria Nakimera, Division F Director, emphasized the organization's core mission of nurturing leadership, communication, public speaking, and self-confidence. (Photo by John Musenze)

He pointed out that even highly educated individuals, including those from prestigious institutions like Harvard, often struggle to articulate their ideas effectively.

Otoa commended Toastmasters for creating a space where individuals can develop their public speaking skills in a supportive environment.

"It’s the only place where, even if you make no speech, they still applaud you. And I love that because we all learn from imperfection. The Toastmasters podium is a space where you can be vulnerable and still come out a giant," he remarked.

Representatives from Vision Group recieve an award from the Toastmasters organisers. (Photo by John Musenze)

As he concluded, he left the audience with a thought-provoking challenge:

"So, how are you empowering your voice? Because your voice—your story—has the power to impact the world."

The conference, themed Empower Your Voice, Elevate Your Impact, attracted hundreds of participants, including university students and corporate professionals.

The event featured a public speaking contest, leadership and communication workshops, and engaging discussions aimed at refining participants' skills.

Organised in partnership with Vision Group, the conference aligns with Toastmasters International’s mission of fostering confident communicators and leaders through a practical and interactive approach.

Unlike conventional training programmes, Toastmasters prioritises hands-on learning over theoretical lectures, making personal and professional growth both effective and enjoyable.

With the upcoming East African competition on the horizon, the selected Toastmasters will now prepare to showcase their skills on a larger stage, representing Uganda and Rwanda with confidence and eloquence.