KAMPALA
Parental Care Nursery and Primary School Bushenyi and King’s College Budo emerged overall winners at the 2025 National Junior and Senior Debate Competitions (NJSDC & NSSDC) hosted at King’s College Budo.
The event was officially presided over by the Deputy Inspector General of Government (D/IGG), Dr. Patricia Achan, who served as Chief Guest at what organisers described as the most successful edition yet.
This year marked the 5th edition of the junior category and the 13th edition of the senior category.
Parental Care Nursery and Primary School successfully defended its junior title after a tense final against KY Boarding Primary School from Masaka city, securing the trophy for the third consecutive year.
Ashaba Isaiah of Parental Care was named Overall Best Debater for the second year running, while Asingwire Joy Precious won Best Female Debater. Championship Speakers’ Awards went to Ashaba Isaiah (Gold), Asingwire Joy Precious (Silver), and Ninkusiima Leah (Bronze), all from Parental Care Bushenyi.
Speaking shortly after being crowned Overall Best Debater, Ashaba from Parental Care Nursery and Primary School Bushenyi said she was “extremely excited and grateful” for the recognition.
“Winning this award again means a lot to me,” she said. “Debating has opened my mind, boosted my confidence, and improved the way I think and speak. I know these skills will help me in my studies and also in my future career because I want to be someone who can express ideas clearly and influence others positively.”
In the senior category, King’s College Budo, which missed last year’s competition, made a strong comeback, defeating Mbarara High School (CHAAPA) in a closely contested final.
The senior motion was: “The Olweela swamp has continued to collapse. A Chinese investor who intends to hire it for rice growing has proposed to the government of Uganda that he will construct the swamp permanently if it’s sold to him. Debate the consequences of this development.”
The junior finalists debated the motion: “A leader with ideas and a leader with money ,who makes good leadership in a school setup?”
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Achan applauded the debaters for demonstrating courage, intellect, and ethical awareness.
“You have shown the country that young people can think critically and articulate issues that matter,” she said. “Your debates reflect this year’s theme: ‘My Education, My Environment, My Ethics,’ and I encourage you to carry these values into your daily lives.”
Gasta Kakaire, the Executive Director of the National Debate Council (NDC), commended King’s College Budo for hosting the event and praised Parental Care Bushenyi for its consistency and excellence.
“This is all hard work,” he said, lauding the students’ dedication.
The headteacher of Parental Care Nursery and Primary School Bushenyi, Desmond Tayebwa, attributed the school’s success to commitment to holistic education.
“We believe co-curricular activities are as important as academics,” he said. “Over the years, our learners have excelled in debates, athletics, music and other competitions. These activities shape disciplined, confident and well-rounded students, and that is what we stand for.”
Parental Care Nursery and Primary School Bushenyi also recently won the Africa Debate Championship held in Kigali, Rwanda.
