KAMPALA: Just like last year (2021) Makerere University Business School (MUBS) emerged as the winner of the 2022 University Debate Nationals by defending the overall winner title, followed by Gulu University and Kyambogo University which came in third place.
Makerere University Business School (MUBS) attained immense success through their much-credited intellectuals Sam Niringiye Sam and Simon Luswata.
This year’s final debate motion was: “THBT the crackdown on civil spaces in Uganda is justified”.
Organized by Open Space Center, the debate competitions are a great platform for transforming society by nurturing youth, through public speaking, career guidance, and skills exhibitions.
Team Leader of Open Space Center, Wakibu Bunnya said the most important thing one will get from the competition is the power of networking. “Open Space also organizes university debate nationals such that the youth are able to engage with each other to create friendships and networks,” Team Leader Bunnya added.
Speaking during the competitions as Chief Guest, Don Wanyana-CEO Vision Group also noted that debate creates empathy. “You are able to know how other peoples chain of thought to understand the reason for another individuals actions and what motivates their views,” he added.
Discussing the possibility of sustaining and boosting such debates, Hon. Ssejooba Isaac- Bukoto Midwest Member of Parliament pointed out the need to invest more in such debates so as to empower young people.
Over the years, debates have been a safe space for young people to openly discuss important topics and share opinions.