Makerere University students have emerged winners in the Accountability Sector Debate that attracted participants from both public and private universities in Uganda.

Eight (8) Universities presented candidates to compete in the Accountability Sector Debate, which was aimed at promoting dialogue among the youth on matters of accountability, and interesting them in advocating for accountability. 

The following Universities participated in the debate: Makerere University, Makerere University Business School, Kyambogo University, Nkumba University, Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, Islamic University in Uganda and Uganda Christian University Mukono.

Makerere University received an award for winning the debate held under the theme: “Accountability, a shared responsibility for effective service delivery.”  Three (3) judges with expertise in the subject area and the Accountability sector evaluated the debate and selected the winning debaters for the award.

The Makerere University winning team comprised Mr. Luyombu Abbasi and Ms. Awino Mercy, who are studying Bachelor of Laws degree at Makerere University. Each winner received a gold medal. The Makerere University winning team also received a cash prize of 1.5million Uganda shillings. 

The Accountability Sector debate held on Monday 27th August 2018 at City Hall, Kampala was organised by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development as part of the activities to launch the Accountability Week running from 27th to 31st August 2018. Over 250 students from both public and private universities in Uganda participated in the debate.

Receiving the good news, Makerere University Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms Ritah Namisango saluted the winning team for effectively representing the University. “I commend our students for putting up a spirited fight. Through this competition, our students have continued to re-affirm that Makerere University is the leading institution for academic excellence. I commend them for the excellent analytical and communication skills and a good command of the English language. Congratulations!” Ms Namisango remarked.

Ms Namisango also applauded the Makerere University Students Guild particularly the Guild President, H.E Papa Were Salim and the Guild Information Minister, Hon. Kato Martins for working together with Makerere University Public Relations Office to identify the students who effectively represented the University in the Accountability sector debate.

Speaking on behalf of Makerere University Students Guild, Hon. Kato Martins thanked the winners for making Makerere University a victor in the accountability debate. 

“I extend our sincere appreciation to the winners. We are so humbled that you are making Makerere University proud when we participate in debates focusing on pertinent topical issues,” he said.

Hon. Kato called upon all Makerere University students to always make Makerere University proud when they participate in national and international competitions. 

Article by:  Nakibombo Esther Joyce, Communication Volunteer, Mak PR Office