Preparations for the Inter Institution Debate Competitions Kicked Off in Western Uganda

The debate trainings that took place from the 12th -18th March 2012 , in the Western Uganda under the theme “ Gender equality and Good Governance ”were kicked off on a very interesting and lively note .As the students from the different institutions took to the stage, names like Ms.Jennifer Musisi ,Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Ms. Maggie Kigozi and Ms Allen Kagina could be heard over and over again .It was interesting and exciting to note that names like these are slowly replacing names such as Hon. Miria Matembe and Winnie Byanyima that have dominated the various debates on women’s contribution to the fabric of Uganda.


The debates trainings involved 5 higher institutions of learning in Western Uganda namely; Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Mutorere Nursing School in Kisoro, Kabale University and Kabale National Teachers’ College. These trainings were held in preparation for the Western region debate tournament due to take place on the 24th and 25th March 2012 in Mbarara district.

The debates are implemented in line with one of ACFODE’s projects - Empowered to Act: Enhancing Youth and Women’s Effective Participation in Politics and Decision Making that is supported by Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung (KAS). Under this project, ACFODE uses the debate approach to build the capacity of youths and women leaders so that they can effectively participate in the promotion of gender equality and good governance since they are mentored into eloquent, articulate and fast thinking individuals.

During the trainings, students showed much enthusiasm and commitment, and expressed their gratitude to ACFODE for involving them (youth) in her programming. They noted that this would go along away in informing them about the strides being made in the promotion of gender equality and good governance at the national and community level.
They said that this experience would not only boost their self esteem, but would enrich their analytical and presentation skills as well because for the most of them, this was going to be the first time they ever expressed themselves before a big audience.


ACFODE believes that this initiative that involves empowering young people is worth taking on because it’s not until young people who are the adults of tomorrow are inculcated into understanding the equality between women and men, and girls and boys, that efforts to bring about gender equality in society will continue to face formidable huddles.

At the beginning of the trainings, the students exhibited weak argumentation and analytical skills but as the trainings carried on, their skills improved immensely and they started presenting coherent and well thought out arguments. And although female debaters were given priority, male participants were equally encouraged to participant.

At the end of the trainings, participants were given a number of information, communication, and education materials (ICEs) on gender and good governance so that they do ample research in preparation for the debate tournament that is due to take place this weekend in Mbarara.

We promise to keep you posted about the tournament outcomes.

Compiled by
Daphine Agaba
Programs Assistant
Human Rights & Governance Department
Action For Development
Email: agabad@acfode.org