The Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) is bringing back the 2024 edition of the Uganda Secondary Schools’ Debate, Poetry, and Public Speech Championship. This year’s theme is “Amplifying Students’ Voices for the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.” The event in Tororo aims to inspire students to engage in meaningful conversations about global challenges and solutions, highlighting the district’s commitment to nurturing young talents.
UNSA: History and Purpose
The Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) was established to foster unity and cooperation among students across Uganda. It provides a platform for students to develop leadership skills, express their opinions, and engage in national and international issues. Since its inception, UNSA has been instrumental in organizing events that promote critical thinking, public speaking, and active participation in community development.
Tororo District UNSA Debate
Tororo District is preparing for its second edition of the UNSA Debate, Poetry, and Public Speech Championship. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Tororo Parents Girls’ School. Over 40 secondary schools and institutions are expected to participate.
Previous Competitions
The championship will run from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Schools are requested to send three debaters, one public speaker, one poetry reciter, and a school patron. There is a facilitation fee to be paid by schools to cover lunches and other expenses. UNSA will handle the judges’ and adjudicators’ facilitation for the national tournament.
Last year’s competition saw Tororo Girls’ School crowned champions, with Dikan Joy Jemimah as the best overall debater. St. Francis De Sales was the first runner-up, and St. Peter’s College came in third. In the speech category, St. Peter’s College Tororo took first place, with Tororo Girls’ School in second.
As if not enough, this year’s debate motions are designed to challenge students’ critical thinking and public speaking skills. One of the key motions is, “This house would transfer the capital of Uganda to Jinja City.” The theme of the championship, “Amplifying Students’ Voices for the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals,” reflects the commitment to raising awareness about global challenges and empowering students to think critically about solutions.
National UNSA Debates
After district-level competitions, the winning schools will advance to the national championships. The nationals are set to take place from August 25-31, 2024, at Holy Cross Lake View Secondary School in Jinja City. This event promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for all participants.
UNSA has partnered with various organizations to ensure the success of the event. Open Space Uganda, known for its dedication to nurturing youth, is one of the key partners. Sumz Snacks is also sponsoring the national debate championships in August, providing snacks for participants.
Stay tuned for more updates as other districts prepare to hold their competitions. We look forward to seeing the young minds of Uganda shine on this prestigious platform.
You can watch some of the past events via UNSA TV , the official YouTube channel of UNSA.