General
2nd National Inter University Debate Competition 2026 Makerere Secures 2nd Place
September 29, 2026 – The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hosted the 2nd National Inter University Debate Competition 2026 at School of Public Health Auditorium where Makerere University secured 2nd place in the grand finale, National level. The proceedings were witnessed by representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports, UNESCO as the premium sponsor and organiser, University(ies) staff and administrators, students from various institutions and distinguished guests.
The final saw four Universities namely Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Soroti University and Kampala University Main Campus, each with two student debating representatives tussle it out under the theme “Students Health, Safety and Well-Being: A Catalyst for enhanced educational outcomes and academic excellence in higher education institutions in Uganda.”
Makerere was represented by Ms. Synthia Lamaro, a second-year student of Bachelor of Laws and Ms. Cynthia Apili, a second-year student of Bachelors of Social Sciences who ably competed.
Cynthia Apili came up as the second-best debater at regional and national level just a few points behind Mr. Kibirango Rahim Osama of Kyambogo University who won as an individual, and also enabled his institution to secure 1st position.
Makerere Positions self as a Hub for Student Engagement
Representing the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Professor Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration welcomed all, and framed the act of hosting as central to the university’s identity and ongoing success.
He extended a warm greeting to students from other Universities, particularly those visiting the campus for their first time. “I want to say that you are welcome to Makerere University, especially those of you who are from up country and you have never been to Makerere University,” Professor Alinaitwe expressed.
With this warm tone, he described the debate as a catalyst for current student leadership, saying the Inter-University Debate Championship is not merely an academic exercise, but a vital training ground for immediate leadership. This, he said, with regard to the skills acquired through debating such as communication, critical thinking, and emotional regulation, which are essential tools for students to navigate their current realities.
Most significantly, the VC challenged the common narrative that students are only “future” leaders. He assured them that he cannot say they “are the future leaders, but you are leaders even today.” By linking the debate platform to the broader theme of student wellbeing and safeguarding, he positioned the event as a necessary component for universities to remain relevant and engaged in the holistic development of their students.
Ministry of Education Calls for Safer Campuses
CPA Micheal Wanyama, the Commissioner for Higher Education Students Financing Scheme, popularly known as the Student Loan Scheme delivered warm greetings from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda the Chief guest, who was unable to join in due to other competing demands.
CPA Wanyama read her speech verbatim and emphasized that student welfare is inseparable from academic success. She stated, “there is no way we can separate education outcomes from the health, safety, and wellbeing of our learners, especially for us in the education sector.”
She further encouraged universities to address a range of issues, including psychosocial challenges, and ensure that “every learner knows where they can seek help, and secure confidence that their legitimate concerns will be handled appropriately, promptly, and responsibly.”
Reflecting on the championship, Dr Turyagenda praised the organisers and UNESCO for creating a platform that promotes critical thinking and leadership.
She expressed the Ministry’s support for the continuation of the event, noting that the goal is to see all universities participating in the future.
CPA Wanyama concluded her remarks by agreeing with Professor Alinaitwe that the long-term impact of the competition is that it contributes to “the ability to think critically, communicate responsibly, and use knowledge to solve real problems in society.”
UNESCO calls for move from debate to action
The National Antenna – Coordinator for the United Nations Education Scientific Organization (UNESCO), Mr. Charles Draecabo addressed the Inter-University Debate Championship with a clear message regarding the necessity of student support. He stated, “Educational excellence cannot be achieved without student wellbeing.”
Mr. Draecabo outlined the barriers students face, noting, “no student can fully realize their potential when faced with poor mental health, violence, sexual and reproductive health challenges, discrimination, substance abuse, financial stress, or unsafe learning environment.”
He also talked about knowing and the right environment, “knowledge alone does not always translate into informed choices. Students need accurate information. They need to be confident. They need friendly services, supportive environment, which seek to address issues of stigma and discrimination, among others.
Finally, he urged the debaters and the audience to ensure their advocacy leads to tangible results. He advocated for a, “move from debate to action, from idea to impact, and from commitment to measurable change.”
Background of the 2nd Inter University Debate Competition 2026
Mr. John Ochira, the Assistant Commissioner for Higher Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports having served as the Chairperson of the organising committee for the debate, explained that this is the second occurrence of the event, noting, “last year, we organized a similar event like this, but the participating teams were very few. We had only three universities participating… That debate was like a pilot.” This year, they expanded the scope significantly, stating, “We are now looking at all the universities in the country to participate. That’s why the participation started from the regional level.”
Mr. Ochira, said “the inter-university debate is a way of operationalizing the O3 Plus program, which is supported by UNESCO under the Ministry of Education and Sports.”
He explained the core philosophy: “the O3 plus, is about our rights, our lives, and our future” and emphasised the addition of a crucial element, noting, “You cannot talk about our lives, our rights, our future without responsibilities.”
He also outlined the goals, stating, “one is to provide a safe platform for students to openly discuss and critically examine health, safety, and well-being affecting them.” The research aspect was also mentioned, noting, “need to promote evidence-based research, dialogue, and sharing of information scientifically,” among others.
Judge Vincent Odonga Appraises the Debate
Coach Vincent Odong of Junior Academy was one of the judges that handled the sessions where Makerere appeared. He commended debaters from all Universities for their hard work and research.
Agreeing with all other speakers on the importance of such debate sessions to students, Odong also shared that they serve as a vital incentive for students to engage with university policies and beyond.
“The debates are informative of how much the students know about their universities, and I think that creates incentives for them to know about the policies that are in universities and how they affect them.”
He also praised the high quality of engagement in the current round, observing that “the arguments are more nuanced and more specific and more detailed as opposed to people just putting forth ideas without decent explanation.”
Furthermore, he applauded the organising committee for its commitment to regional inclusivity, noting that “being able to go to the remotest of places and to get those people to engage with the wider country is something that is very commendable.”
Odong mentioned some areas where the process might need tightening. He recognized that the motions are not really tailored for debate but rather open discussion.
For future debates, he suggested that grassroots training be done before hosting the real competitions. This, he added, is intended to bridge the accessibility gap, identifying that the central region is more advantaged for currently it has “more opportunities, more training, more interaction compared to other regions.”
Photos by Allan Ainematsiko
View Pictorial: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD6gBx
The two-week training programme aims to equip government officers with practical skills to assess project viability, manage investment risks and ensure public resources deliver value for money.
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) is strengthening the capacity of government officers to undertake financial appraisal and risk analysis of public investment projects through a two-week training programme designed to improve the quality of project preparation, appraisal and decision-making in Uganda.
The training, which started in Fort Portal on October 19, 2026, brought together participants from various government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), alongside facilitators from Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Cambridge Resources International (CRI), the National Planning Authority and the Uganda Development Bank.
Officially opening the training on behalf of the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Ms Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, emphasised the importance of rigorous project appraisal in strengthening Uganda’s public investment management system.
She noted that projects admitted into the public investment plan must be aligned with national priorities, technically sound, financially viable and capable of delivering value for money.
“Government must be able to compare investment alternatives and ensure that only viable projects proceed through the public investment process,” she emphasised.
Ms Ayebare explained that sound appraisal enables government to make informed investment decisions, maximise returns on public expenditure and ensure that limited public resources are directed towards projects with the greatest potential to deliver development outcomes.
Building practical skills for better investment decisions
The training builds on the Public Investment Management course conducted in June, which introduced participants to Uganda’s public investment management framework, including project conceptualisation, stakeholder analysis, project costing, implementation action plans, the Integrated Bank of Projects, and monitoring and evaluation of public investment reforms.
The current programme advances this foundation by equipping participants with technical competencies in financial appraisal, financial modelling and risk analysis.
Participants will explore integrated investment appraisal, alternative investment criteria, cash-flow statements, inflation and exchange-rate movements, asset valuation, project financing, project scale and timing, risk-sharing arrangements and cost-effectiveness analysis.
Through practical exercises and case studies, participants will apply these concepts to investment scenarios in sectors such as roads, health, education and water. The programme will also examine how climate change, social considerations and other risks can be integrated into project preparation and appraisal.
Ms Ayebare encouraged participants to engage actively with the facilitators, question the practical application of the tools and consider how the skills acquired could improve investment decisions within their respective institutions.
She also reminded participants that the programme includes an examination and that certification requires more than attendance. Participants are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and acquire practical skills that they can apply in their work.
Reducing dependence on externally prepared studies
A key objective of the training is to strengthen the ability of government institutions to undertake high-quality project appraisal studies using their own technical teams.
Ms Ayebare observed that many studies submitted to the Development Committee have traditionally been prepared by external consultants, often at considerable cost. Building the capacity of public officers to conduct these studies independently can help institutions strengthen their technical expertise and improve the quality of project proposals presented for consideration.
She urged participants to take full advantage of the facilitators’ expertise and return to their institutions equipped to undertake sound financial appraisals and provide evidence-based advice to decision-makers.
She further emphasised that project approval requires thorough preparation, analysis and justification, rather than simply identifying available funding and proposing a project to utilise it.
Strengthening public investment management through capacity development
In his remarks, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM CoE, thanked the Ministry of Finance for its financial support and for identifying participants from government institutions. He also recognised the contributions of the facilitators and partner institutions in delivering the programme.
Prof. Bbaale noted that the Centre’s work extends beyond training to include research and advisory services aimed at improving public investment management practices. He encouraged continued collaboration with government institutions and other partners to advance research, knowledge sharing and capacity development.
Speaking during the training, Dr John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, highlighted the importance of commitment, active participation and punctuality throughout the programme. He encouraged participants to engage with the facilitators, ask questions and apply the knowledge gained to the projects they support.
Dr Sseruyange also acknowledged the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, for financing the training, and appreciated Cambridge Resources International for its continued support towards improving public investment preparation and analysis in Uganda.
The training reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management system by equipping public officers with the knowledge and practical competencies needed to assess projects rigorously, identify potential risks and make informed investment decisions.
By developing in-house expertise across government institutions, the programme seeks to contribute to better-prepared projects, more efficient use of public resources and improved delivery of Uganda’s development priorities.
President Yoweri K. Museveni while officiating as Chief Guest at the Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium 2026: Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue at Makerere University called upon the audience not to merely hold Nyerere’s Legacy as a historical footprint but as a masterplan for the future that remains unfinished. Organised by the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), the symposium was a two day event that started with “ekyooto” on 13th October at the JNLC gardens and climaxed on 14th October in Freedom Square. The second day hinged on the theme: Borrowing from the Past, Building the Future.
In the President’s message delivered by Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, the president spotlighted, “Mwalimu Nyerere as the greatest African that ever lived in terms of contribution to the African people’s efforts for freedom, human rights, and dignity.”
This greatness, he notes, spilled not just to political ideals but also to economics and security. The President agreed with him and warned that “freedom without economic transformation and economic prosperity, without a robust strategic security, remains incomplete.”
Reaching out to the younger generation of scholars and leaders, the President issued a strong warning to move beyond simply remembering Nyerere to action. He said, “you must carry forward the torch of pan-Africanism, reject sectarianism and tribalism, build our regional markets, and champion the total political integration of our motherland.”
He appreciated Mwalimu for his; unwavering support for the struggle of the East African Federation, courageous backing of the armed anti-colonial struggles in the southern half of Africa, principled and decisive support for the anti-Idi Amin struggle, pro-people and pro-unity policies that kept Tanzania peaceful for decades, and ensuring that Tanzania remained a strategic rear base for the entire African resistance.
As a believer in Nyerere’s ideals, the President urged the audience to honor Mwalimu “not merely through commemorative speeches, but through completing the historical task of uniting, defending, and prospering our motherland,” for the motive is to ensure that the independence wars won by our predecessors were not in vain.
To this note, he reiterated the case for Uganda, saying “we shall never forget his profound contribution” to Africa.
Professor Nyamsenda’s Keynote Unparked Pan-Africanism
During the Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue symposium at Makerere University, Professor Sabatho Nyamsenda, a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam delivered the Keynote Address titled “The Unfinished African Project: From Liberation Legacies to a New Generation of Transformation” during the symposium”.
He started on a lighter noticing “Nyerere is being Ugandanised.” This he said looking at the annual Public Lectures dedicated to his name and felt like challenging his home institutions to follow suit.
At the calm of the room, he presented a critique of the current state of Pan-Africanism, arguing that it has been grabbed by the ruling elites, a challenge Professor Nyamsenda identifies to have started in the period of 1960 -1980.
He explained that it was around this time period that Pan-Africanism was snatched away from the masses and it became a state project. Currently, he said the ideology exists in two forms: Boardroom and Street Pan-Africanism.
Professor, characterised Boardroom Pan-Africanism as a State Project. He said “boardroom Pan-Africanism sits comfortably with imperialism and elite-centered accumulation.” While Street Pan-Africanism to which Professor advocates, he emphasised that historically, this approach “united the African liberation movement and liberated the African continent from the most barbaric colonial powers.”
As he concluded, Professor Nyamsenda joined Mwalimu and the President of Uganda in urging youth to consider joining and leading the struggle for a better Africa.
Role of JNLC in Realising Nyerere’s Ideas
Professor Saturninus Kasozi Mulindwa, the JNLC Board Chair highlighted the primary objective of the center as “imparting knowledge and sharing experiences from the old generations to the new generations.” Therefore, JNLC contributes to the actualisation of Nyerere’s ideas by focusing on the development of the next generation of African leaders.
To supplement this, Dr. Nansozi K. Mwanga the Executive Director at JNLC said that the center is committed to “nurturing ethical, conscious, and transformative leaders inspired by Mwalimu’s ideas of service, human dignity, self-reliance, and Pan-African solidarity.”
She explained their focus is on several key areas with training as core. They have “trained over 1,500 young people and young leaders from across Uganda.”, and developed leadership programs “grounded in ethical decision-making, civic responsibility, public service, and action.”
In her remarks, it was observed that training alone is not enough; they are also doing mentorship, to provide opportunities for networking and learning from experienced leaders. There are already testimonies when you visit the Centre wall of fame. To which Dr. Nansozi revealed “leadership development matters when learning becomes service and meaningful action.”
The Centre remains proud of those they have touched and are eager to support as many cohorts.
Julius Nyerere Family Pour their Heart out
Mama Maria Nyerere, addressed the Symposium virtually and commended the Centre for keeping Mwalimu’s values alive.
As a memory of her husband, she reminded the audience that his greatest legacy was anchored on the values by which he lived: service, humility, integrity, unity and love for Africa and its people. She also urged the young people to take up leadership responsibilities and lead with humility, integrity and always remember the people they serve.
Mama Nyerere also advised the youth to learn from those who came before them like her husband with courage to build a better Africa for their generation and those who will come after them.
Joining Mama Nyerere, on behalf of the Nyerere family was Ms. Julia Nyerere, a granddaughter, who attended physically and thanked H.E. Kaguta Museveni for supporting the establishment of the Julius Nyerere Centre at Makerere University and also commended the Keynote Speaker Professor Nyamsenda for Critiquing Nyerere’s ideas.
Julia further shared an understanding of her grand-father’s interest in preserving humanity as a moral.
As a family they are happy that his (Nyerere) values and legacies continue to inspire Africa and beyond.
Appreciation for All who Made the Symposium Possible
Addressing the symposium, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Professor Henry Alinaitwe the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration expressed the University’s appreciation and commitment.
He thanked “the government of Uganda for the support they are giving to the Julius Nyerere Leadership Center,” and requested Dr. Kiyonga to “convey the message to the fountain of honour for this initiative that Makerere University is happy for, and is going on well.”
To the leadership of the Center, he specifically thanked the Director Dr. Nansozi for her focused leadership. He stated, “I commend my friend, Dr. Nansozi, for the work that you are doing.”
Professor Alinaitwe also emphasized “we” value these symposiums, saying, “as a university, we acknowledge that such activities create great visibility.”
Dr. Kiyonga was also thanked for delivering the President’s message, together with veterans like Professor Kabwegyere, among other distinguished guests and partners that attended.
Professor Tarsis Bazana Kabwegyere as well appreciated all and emphasised the collective duty of the youth in building the next generation.
He advised “your responsibility is to identify and build Africa forward, building on the legacies and foundations of our forefathers,”.
The Professor also argued that “being young on its own is not a virtue. It is what you are when you are young.” He challenges the audience to avoid being ignorant and claim that you are young.
Background of the Nyerere Symposium
The Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium is an intergenerational gathering hosted at Makerere University. For more than six years now, it has been connecting past leadership legacies of Nyerere and other revolutionaries with current regional and continental priorities under the (JNLC) centre.
The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) serves as a training ground and research hub designed to mentor the next generation of African leaders. Co-hosted by Makerere University and the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), the Centre bridges the gap between older statesmen and youth by focusing on Pan-African ideals, ethical governance, and social transformation.
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