In a display of intellectual brilliance, critical thinking, and persuasive eloquence, Kyambogo University has emerged victorious in the 2026 National Inter-University Debate Competition. The prestigious tournament, sponsored by UNESCO in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports, brought together some of the brightest academic minds from across Uganda to debate pressing issues surrounding the future of higher education.
The grand finale took place on September 29, 2026, hosted at Makerere University in Kampala. Although 29 universities initially registered for the high-stakes tournament, 12 top-tier institutions confirmed attendance and battled through intense preliminary and elimination rounds representing the central, eastern, western, and northern regions of Uganda. When the dust settled, Kyambogo University stood supreme, taking home the coveted championship trophy.
Delivering key remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kedrace Turyagenda, represented by Mr. Michael Wanyama, Commissioner for the Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme emphasized the transformative role of student debates in modern governance and policy. “The greatest value of debating lies in the ability to think critically, communicate responsibly, and use knowledge to solve real problems in society,” Dr. Turyagenda noted.
Winners handing over the trophy to the Vice Chancellor
She further urged higher education institutions to leverage evidence and insights generated by student debate societies to continuously refine and improve health, safety, and student well-being systems across campuses nationwide, reaffirming the government’s steadfast commitment to supporting tertiary education.
The Kyambogo delegation received the trophy in a jubilant mood, joined on stage by the Principal Warden from the Office of the Dean of Students, Mr. William Ngabirano.
Following the victory, the victorious debate team formally presented the national trophy to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya, in a celebration marked by pride and praise.
Expressing his deep gratitude, Mr. Ngabirano lauded the university management for its continuous backing: He thanked the Vice Chancellor and administration for empowering the Kyambogo Debate Society with the resources needed to excel. He highlighted that the student debaters had elevated Kyambogo’s reputation across the national academic landscape.
Warmly congratulating the debate team, Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya expressed immense joy upon receiving yet another major national trophy for the university. “It is always an honor to receive trophies, especially in such stiff competition,” remarked Prof. Katunguka. “You are amazing, intelligent people. Continue working hard and don’t lose focus.”
Prof. Katunguka shared a moment of pleasant surprise regarding the composition of the championship team, noting with amusement that students from STEM disciplines specifically future scientists and engineers, were the ones leading the charge and out-debating traditional humanities majors on the national stage.
The victory marks a historic milestone for Kyambogo University, cementing its reputation not only as a hub for technical and scientific innovation, but also as a powerhouse of articulate, analytical, and visionary youth leaders.