Nkumba University has earned regional recognition following students’ formidable performance at the 2026 East Africa University Debate Championship, with judges and participants commending the students’ strong grasp of East African law and persuasive advocacy during the week-long competition.
Held at Makerere University between 26th July and 1st August 2026, the championship was convened under the theme, “From Dialogue to Action: The Role of the Youth in African Transformation,” bringing together some of East Africa’s leading universities to deliberate on contemporary governance, legal, and development issues shaping the region through competitive debate.
Participating Universities included: Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda Christian University, Kyambogo University, Gulu University, Lira University, Mountain of the Moon University, the University of Juba, Strathmore University, Jinubu Debate Academy, and several other institutions from across East Africa.
Representing Nkumba University were Bachelor of Laws students Aijuka Isaac and Lubega Miriam, with Kagoda Peter Claver as the team lead.
Throughout the championship, the trio distinguished themselves through compelling legal arguments and incisive analysis, earning special recognition for their exceptional understanding of East African law and their ability to articulate well-tailored perspectives on the theme.
Isaac emerged as one of the notable Leaders of Opposition during the competition, earning praise for drawing on regional legal frameworks to advance persuasive arguments on issues affecting East Africa.
Miriam, serving as Prime Minister in every debate round, impressed adjudicators with confident openings that set the tone for Nkumba University’s debates and helped the team maintain consistency throughout the championship.
Team leader Kagoda Peter Claver equally made his mark beyond the debating floor, emerging among the tournament’s top-performing adjudicators. Organizers commended his fairness, professionalism, and sound judgment while evaluating debate rounds.
Each of the three participants received individual certificates of participation, while Nkumba University was presented with an institutional certificate in recognition of its contribution to the championship.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Jude Lubega, commended the university representatives for their performance. “Thank you for representing the University with distinction. More importantly, I commend you for your outstanding performance and the commitment you demonstrated throughout the championship,” said Prof. Jude.
The championship climaxed with a closing ceremony held on August 1 at Makerere University’s Ivory Tower, presided over by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Cuthbert Abigaba.
Reflecting on the experience, Kagoda urged young people to move beyond discussion and become agents of meaningful change. “It always begins with words before being put into action; the journey to achievement always begins from a scratch of thought, but it takes a brave mind to implement those thoughts. I call upon all students and young leaders of this generation to live a life of purpose and action,” he said.
Over the years, Nkumba University has expanded opportunities for learners to compete on national, regional and international platforms, complementing classroom instruction with practical experiences that prepare graduates for leadership and service.
