By Haron Okwir
The Uganda National Students Association (UNSA), through its Dokolo District Secretariat, successfully conducted the 2026 Debate, Public Speaking, & Poetry Competition yesterday Monday, March 30, at St. John Bosco Senior Secondary School in Dokolo Town Council.
Recently, the education stakeholders in Dokolo District were deeply concerned about the deteriorating quality of spoken language and presentation skills among students where they identified the declining prominence of school debates as a major contributing factor to this issue.
The competition, held under the theme “The role of students in Good Governance,” attracted 15 schools both Secondary and Technical, each eligible to present up to five teams.
The three schools that didn’t turn up for the event are; Dokolo Technical School in Dokolo town council, Iguli Girls Secondary School in Amwoma Sub county and Kwera Secondary School in Kwera sub county.
St. John Bosco SS didn’t only win the championship but also produced the best debater in the name of Acen Rhina Rhain, Meanwhile Dokolo Progressive SS dominated the competition by winning two trophies of the best poet won by Anamo Racheal, and the best public speaker won by Akech Patricia.
Mr. Oila Charles, the headteacher of St. John Bosco Secondary School, extended his gratitude to the organizers for reviving the championship after a six-year hiatus urging participants to take the event seriously, as he highlights its benefits such as exposing them to new experiences, fosters unity, creates lifelong friendships, and hones their public speaking skills.
Rev. Sam Omiat, Director Adwoki Schools and Dokolo Private Schools Chairperson, advised participants on three keys to success which includes, deciding on who they want to be, know the direction they’re heading, and be devoted to their goals saying that these three things will guide them on their different journeys.
Mrs. Adoma Susan Leah, Dokolo District Inspector of Schools, who was the Chief guest of honor, emphasized that debate and public speaking are powerful tools for growth saying it expands mindset, sharpens understanding, as she explained the importance of debate to participants telling them that it equips them with essential skills like confidence in public speaking and the ability to reason critically.
Adoma stressed that the future belongs to those who think clearly, critically and speaks boldly and those who are in position to act wisely advising them to debate wisely.
Mr. Tukei Smith, District UNSA Coordinator and Principal Adwoki Technical School, announced a new chapter saying that they have moved away from the traditional debate format following the Ministry of Education and Sports’ initiative, they’re rolling out debates in all post-primary schools and universities.
He expressed optimism, saying that this marks the beginning of their journey to represent Dokolo District at the national level explaining that historically, the’ve never had a representative at either regional or national level since the inception of the District, but they’re thrilled that they will break that barrier this time.
Tukei emphasized, that this exposure will open doors for the children, connecting them to the vast world of technology, innovation, and creativity adding that debating isn’t just about speaking skills but it builds confidence, fosters meaningful networks, and nurtures future leaders promising as the debating leaders to keep this momentum going.
