Janan S.S Wins Luweero Regional National Debate Championships

By Philip Wasswa

Janan Secondary School in Luweero District was ranked the best in the Luweero Regional debating competitions as a build up to the National Debating Championships that will take place in December 2019.

The tournament in Luweero was attended by ten schools including; Janan SS, Nakasongola SS, Nakasongola Army SS, St Anthony SS, Cornerstone Leadership Academy, St Joseph Vocational High School, Katikamu SDA SS, Bombo SS, Kakoola High School, and Kagongo Seed School. 

The topics debated were about fighting corruption in Uganda, the debaters argued whether poverty was the major cause of corruption in Uganda as well as a suitable punishment for corrupt officials.
Out of the ten schools, four made it to the semi-finals were Kakoola SS debated with Cornerstone Leadership Academy and Katikamu SDA SS debated with Janan SS.

Janan SS and Kakoola SS debated in the final and the winner was Janan SS.

The National Debate Championship Executive Director, Gasta Kakaire told the gathering in Luweero on Sunday that the regional debates which were launched on June 8, 2019, have since gained momentum and the finals will take place at the Parliament of Uganda in December.

"I am thrilled by the growth of debate education in the country from a handful of schools we began in 2009 to now over 450 schools. The teachers have played a remarkable role in taking the standards higher as many have embraced debate as not just a co-curricular activity but one enhances both teaching and learning," Kakaire said.

The regional competitions shall cover a total of 250 schools out of the selected 17 regions in the country.
The National Debate Championship, Board member and ICare Foundation Executive Director, Isaac Kigozi who presided over the event in Luweero appreciated all the schools that took off time to participate in the debate which enhances several abilities of a student.
Kigozi told the participants that learning the skills and practice of debate is still highly relevant and it can help enhance one's day to day way of life.

He said that debates in schools teach a learn skills can't be taught in schools such as convincing an employer for a job as well as convincing a buyer for a product.

"We are all very excited about the many opportunities debate has and continues to offer to young people both in and outside class," Kigozi said.

More other regions have since held the regional competitions which saw St. Catherine Girls School win the competitions in Lira district.