Uganda National Schools’ Debate 2025
Debate, Poetry & Public Speech Championship, Enrichment and Experience for Siniya
Kigezi College Butobere (Siniya) travelled to Mukono from 24–28 August 2025 to take part in the Uganda National Secondary Schools’ Debate, Poetry & Public Speech Championship. The national championship, a concentrated five-day programme of briefings, competitive rounds, cultural activities and finals, assembled the country’s finest young orators, poets and debaters. Although Kigezi College Butobere did not secure a podium finish, the delegation returned to Kabale enriched, more experienced and profoundly grateful for the support that made the trip possible.
Venue, sponsors and partners
The championship was hosted at Vision for Africa High School in Mukono District. The event was organised with the support of a number of partners and sponsors, notably UNFPA, the Uganda AIDS Commission, the Ministry of Education and Sports and UNSA. Their sponsorship underpinned the smooth running of the championship and the wide-ranging enrichment programme provided to delegates.
Activities
The championship’s structured programme began on 24 August with arrivals, supper and a general briefing. The core competition, held between 25 and 27 August, comprised training and briefings, Masters rounds (debate, public speech and poetry), multiple qualifying rounds, the opening ceremony, and progression through rounds two to seven, octo-finals, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the grand finals. Complementing the competitive schedule were wellbeing and enrichment activities including morning risings and aerobics, topical panel discussions, a launch of table-tennis, sports fixtures, talent night, live-band performances and a cultural night, all designed to foster collegiate exchange and personal development. The event formally concluded on 28 August with final briefings, breakfast and departures.
Qualification and the generosity of Old Boys
Kigezi College Butobere qualified to represent the Kigezi region. Attendance was made possible by the generosity of Old Boys, led by Mr Rwakinanga Samuel, whose collective contribution funded the school’s participation. Without this support the school alone would not have met the logistical and financial demands of sending a delegation to Mukono. The students travelled by public means and, despite the attendant challenges, arrived punctually to participate in the scheduled programme.
Performance and learning
On the competitive front, the Siniya representatives acquitted themselves well against some of the nation’s premier contestants. They progressed through the qualifying rounds and advanced into the later stages of the championship but ultimately fell short of a podium finish. The coaching and adjudication received during the Masters rounds and fixtures provided high-quality instruction and clarified the standards required at national level.
While medals eluded the team, the intangible benefits were significant: improved confidence, refined argumentation and public-speaking techniques, and a deeper appreciation of competitive discipline. These gains will inform future coaching and participation.
Enrichment beyond the competition
Following the conclusion of the Mukono events, the delegation left Mukono for Kampala on Thursday 28 August 2025 at 09:00. By 11:30 the same morning they had arrived at the Parliament of Uganda for a guided tour hosted by Ninsiima Emmanuel Bigirwa, a distinguished Old Boy. The tour offered the students a first-hand civic education in the workings of national governance and proved a memorable extension of their learning.
Subsequently, the team enjoyed a sumptuous meal at Chazy FoodZone, situated in the well-known Kampala suburb of Ntinda in Nakawa Division. The proprietor, Twesime Arthur Machati, another Old Boy, hosted the lunch and shared wise counsel with the students. Busingye Fred, a former Head Prefect who was present also recounted the school’s history, related personal experience and encouraged the young delegates to strive for excellence. Tusiime Boub, the Coordinator of the Siniya Alumni Forum, accompanied the students and documented the visit.
These acts of hospitality and mentorship were highlights of the visit, offering practical inspiration and demonstrating the active role of alumni in supporting and mentoring current students.
Supervision, departure and return
The students travelled under the supervision of two members of staff from Kigezi College Butobere, whose oversight ensured their welfare throughout the trip. After the civic and hospitality engagements in Kampala, the delegation departed the same evening for Kabale. They returned noticeably sharper, wiser, excited and satisfied, determined to apply the lessons learned and to showcase the continuing impact of the Siniya experience.
Looking ahead
Kigezi College Butobere’s participation in the 2025 Uganda National Secondary Schools’ Debate, Poetry & Public Speech Championship highlighted the importance of alumni support, the value of competitive exposure and the benefits of mentorship. The Board, staff and alumni may take pride in the manner in which the students represented the school. Insights gained from this outing will be incorporated into future training so that subsequent Siniya delegations are even more competitive on the national stage.
Kigezi College Butobere extends its sincere gratitude to Mr Rwakinanga T. Samuel and all Old Boys who made the journey possible, to the hosts in Mukono and Kampala for their hospitality, and to the sponsors and partners; UNFPA, the Uganda AIDS Commission, the Ministry of Education and Sports and UNSA for enabling a successful and enriching championship.
You made me
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