Why Bishop Asili Qualified for the African Debate Championship

KABALE — Bishop Asili Memorial Nursery and Primary School qualified for the African Debate Championship after emerging as the best team in the Junior Debate category at the East African Debate Championship held in Arusha, Tanzania.
‎The school earned the qualification after four of its pupils delivered an outstanding performance during the regional competition, competing against schools from across East Africa.
‎The championship brought together 90 teams from 33 schools representing the East African region, providing learners with an opportunity to demonstrate their debating, public speaking, critical thinking and communication skills.
‎Bishop Asili competed in the Junior Debate category and emerged the best team, earning a place at the African Debate Championship, which was scheduled to take place at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.
‎Eric Batura, the Founding CEO of Teachers Debate Network Uganda and one of the organisers, said the East African championship served as a stepping stone to the continental competition.
‎“After the East African Debate Championship, the next stage will be the African Debate Championship,” Batura said.
‎The school’s success was attributed to teamwork, preparation and commitment among the pupils, teachers and school administration.
‎Sr. Margaret Tusiime, the school’s headteacher, said the achievement resulted from unity and teamwork among members of the school community.
‎The competition also provided a platform for young learners to develop and demonstrate skills in public speaking, critical thinking, confidence, communication and leadership.
‎Kabale Municipality Inspector of Schools Agness Asiimwe said debate competitions played an important role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
‎“The debate competition brings out the talents of our young stars to become great legislators and leaders in the near future,” she said.
‎At the championship, Mubende Light Secondary School emerged overall winner, with St. Mary’s College Lugazi as first runner-up and Ntare School as second runner-up.
‎Nyakayojo Secondary School was recognised as the most upcoming school, while Mbarara Army Boarding Secondary School was named best in public speaking. In the junior category, Bishop Asili emerged best, while Bamusiima Memorial School was recognised as the most upcoming junior school.
‎Following their victory, the four Bishop Asili pupils returned to Kabale, where they were welcomed by a band, cheering members of the public and school leaders.
‎The achievement added to Bishop Asili Memorial Nursery and Primary School’s record of academic and co-curricular success. The school, which was established in 2000, had built a reputation for strong academic performance while also investing in activities that nurtured learners’ talents.
‎Bishop Asili’s victory in the Junior Debate category therefore secured its qualification for the African Debate Championship and gave the four pupils an opportunity to take their debating skills from the East African stage to the continental level.

ENDS