GULU CITY PREPARES TO HOST NATIONAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP 2024

A banner advertising the event in Gulu city. Photo by Proscovia Achomo.

By Proscovia Achomo

Gulu City

More than 50 primary schools across six regions in Uganda are expected to participate in the Uganda national primary school debate championship 2024 being organized by Afro Junior Schools Debate and will be hosted by Light ray Nursery and Primary school in Bardege Layibi division, Gulu city from August 27 to 28 2024.

This tournament is based on the theme; “Young people in the achievement of sustainable development goal one, two, four, thirteen and sixteen which is basically to help the young people understand the sustainable development goals and how they can impact the society and how they can be the voice to attain these goals.

The Sustainable goals are poverty, good health and well -being, quality education, climate action, justice and peace, and strong institutions.

Innocent Okello Work, one of the organizers said the pupils will recite poems and hold public speeches on the topics which have to do with the sustainable development goals formation especially development goal thirteen which talks about climate action.

He added that the debate will aid in promoting critical, analytical and diverse thinking through debating and public speaking for the young people.

Patrick Obua, the director of Afro Junior School Debate believes that through debating, the aspects in the new education system can be achieved.

However, he complained that only few schools have embraced the new format of debate. “I`m really surprised that vey few schools have confirmed their participation in this debating tournament, this is not a good sign, you know this format of debating is so much in line with our new education system, this should have motivated all the schools to come for this championship,” he echoed.

George Omony, chairperson Gulu city primary schools headteachers association who is the lead mobilizer for this tournament implores schools to embrace debates to widen the minds of learners and nurture future leaders. “I call upon schools to allow pupils participate in debates, as it is an excellent platform for enhancing their confidence and can make them to succeed outside school life,” he noted.

Ivan Roy Ocepa, the patron of debating club of Light ray nursery and primary school the host, however said since the main topic for this championship is about climate action, schools should educate the young ones about climate change and empower them to take action.

Afro Junior Schools Debate is an organization that ensures that the young people in the primary schools are built up in line with debates more especially on public speech.

The winners shall be awarded with certificates, trophies, medals, tree seedlings among others.