Uganda’s Parliament is set to host the 10th National Schools Debate Championship (NSDC) with the aim of sensitizing young people on the effects of corruption in Uganda.
According to Guster Kakaire, Executive Director at National Debate Council, NSDC is slated to take place from 5th to 10th December 2019 at Gayaza High School, with the grand finale planned to take place at Parliament.
Speaker Rebecca Kadaga is expected to be the guest of honour, Kakaire said.
“We cannot over emphasize the importance of engaging young people in schools to help understand the extent of corruption and challenge then to play their part. If we want to see a corruption free future then we have to teach the youngsters the value of integrity and accountability,” Kakaire said.
He explained that the National Debate Championship is a Non-profit organization founded by teachers intended to support debate, having realized that debate was deteriorating in the public.
This year’s championship is aimed at uprooting corruption in schools.
Kakaire said by the time students get in public office, they will have obtained skills in critical and effective thinking.
According to the organizers, 250 schools took part in the competition with 100 of them coming to Kampala from 85 districts.
The Previous winners include Mbarara High School, Kings College Buddo, Sacred Heart Girls School, Ntare School, Nyakasura, Mengo SS, Nyakasura and Ntare School the defending champions.
George Bamugemereire, Deputy Inspector General of Government commented the National Debate Council for the innovation saying the competition will be critical at developing the capabilities of young people at a tender age.
“We think that this NDC is hitting one bird with one stone, interesting them in research, competition. We think that National Debate Championship is playing an important role in interesting young people about corruption,” Bamugemereire said.
He added:”They haven’t been convinced in values of good behaviour because if underlying system is dead, then will have. If we can expose them to evils of corruption, if we can convince them against corruption, then service delivery will improve in this country.”
