PHOTO/ Bishop
03. March. 2026
A delegation of student participants in the Eurasian Schools Debating Championship (ESDC) 2026 paid a courtesy visit to Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga at her office Kampala, where she warmly received and celebrated them for their remarkable performance on the global stage.
The students from Kiira College Butiki (KCB) made Uganda proud after emerging as the best team from the African continent at the prestigious championship held in South Africa on 10th to 13th December 2025.
The 16th Annual Eurasian Schools Debating Championship, coordinated by Olympia Debate Society Limited, took place from January 17–19, 2026 at Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey.
The tournament attracted 79 teams from across the world, providing a competitive platform for young intellectuals to showcase their research ability, critical thinking, and persuasive communication skills.
Representing Uganda were three exceptional students:
• Kwagala Samuel Mulambuzi (S5)
• Gidudu Ephraim Akaya (S3) – Assistant Head Prefect
• Isabirye Alvin (S5) – Chairperson of all Club Presidents
In attendence was the Deputy Headteach Nkumbo James, Director General Mula Anthony, deputy legal advisor counsel Buwande Anthony, he elect district chapirson
Through dedication, discipline, and resilience, the trio won five preliminary rounds and defeated top-ranked international teams, demonstrating eloquence, confidence, and intellectual depth that distinguished them among global competitors.
While briefing Rt. Hon. Kadaga, Isabirye Alvin shared insights into their experience at the championship, emphasizing the invaluable exposure and the opportunity to engage with diverse global perspectives. He acknowledged the unwavering support from the school administration and parents, which played a crucial role in their success.
The team explained that their journey to the global stage followed their victory in national competitions under the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA), earning them the honor of representing Uganda from Busoga to the international arena despite intense competition from other nations.
PHOTO/Bishop
Rt. Hon. Kadaga expressed deep pride in the students’ eloquence, confidence, and the powerful poetry.
She pledged to engage the Ministry of Education and Sports and H.E. the President to ensure the team receives national recognition and financial reward for flying Uganda’s flag high.
She further called for increased government support toward debating and intellectual development, noting that academic competitions deserve the same attention and facilitation often accorded to football and other sports.
The delegation was led by Ms. Nabuzale Cathy Deputy Head Teacher, Administration, Kiira College Butiki who described debating as a transformative tool for personal growth:
“Debating is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. These students have shown that they can engage with complex ideas, think critically, and express themselves eloquently.”
She expressed gratitude to the Headteacher Mr. Moses Semwanga for his spiritual, moral, and logistical support, which ensured the team’s welfare and effective participation at the championship.
She also appreciated Rt. Hon. Kadaga for celebrating the students and recognizing their achievement. The visit was marked by cake-cutting and jubilation as the delegation proudly reflected on their international milestone.
She further proposed that Uganda should, in future, field officially recognized national debate teams rather than leaving individual schools to compete independently. They observed that many countries participated as national teams, a model Uganda could adopt to enhance coordination, competitiveness, and global visibility.
Rt. Hon. Kadaga once again congratulated the students, warmly welcomed them back home, and commended their discipline, passion, and commitment to excellence.
The Eurasian Schools Debating Championship provides a powerful platform for young leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, sharpen their analytical skills, and foster international understanding.
Kiira College Butiki’s achievement stands as a shining testament to the school’s dedication to academic excellence and leadership development. From Busoga to the world stage, these young debaters have proven that Ugandan students can compete confidently and excel among the best globally when given opportunity and support.