Bishop Asili to Participate in East Africa Teachers’ Debate Network After Scooping Third Position Nationally

Bishop Asili Nursery and Primary School Kabale has earned a place in the East Africa Debate Championship after emerging third in the 2026 TDN National Debate Competition held at St. Peters Secondary School Naalya from May 3rd to 7th.

Earlier this year, the school emerged victorious in the Kigezi Regional Primary Schools Debate Competition held at Kigezi High School.

The outstanding performance now qualifies the school to represent Uganda at the East Africa Debate Competition scheduled to take place in Arusha, Tanzania, in September 2026.

‎The national championship attracted more than 35 schools from across Uganda in both primary and secondary school categories, bringing together some of the country’s best young debaters under the theme: “Empowering Young Voices on Mental Health and Culture in the Modern Era.”

‎Speaking after the competition, the Chief Adjudicator, Rean Joash Mabonga, said the championship showcased the growing importance of debate education in Uganda.

‎“A total of over 35 schools participated in the national championship across both primary and secondary categories after winning at a regional level. The competition featured institutions from various districts and regions, reflecting strong national representation,” Mabonga said.

‎Schools that participated included Mengo Senior School, Uganda Martyrs Secondary School Namugongo, Kisubi Mapeera Secondary School, Kigezi High School, Bukedea Comprehensive Secondary School, Joy Learning Center, Pearl Junior School, and Bishop Asili Memorial Primary School among others.

‎The achievement by Bishop Asili Nursery and Primary School has been celebrated as a major milestone for the school and the region.

‎Headteacher Sr. Margaret Tusiime described the success as a blessing to the school, the district, and the country at large.

‎“This is a blessing to our school, the district, the region, and the country. Through hard work and competent teachers, we have continued excelling in different educational aspects,” she said.

‎Tusiime added that the success has motivated the school community to aim even higher as they prepare for the East African championship in Tanzania.

‎“This achievement motivates us to become even better at the East African level. We always put God at the center of everything we do together with hard work and discipline,” she added.

‎Education stakeholders have continued to praise debate competitions for equipping learners with leadership, confidence, communication, and critical thinking skills necessary for addressing modern-day social challenges.

The East Africa Debate Championship in Arusha is expected to bring together top-performing schools from across the region to compete and exchange ideas on key social and educational issues.

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