Makerere University successfully hosted the East African Universities Debate Championships (EAUDC) 2026, welcoming more than 200 student debaters, adjudicators, and delegates from 25 universities across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and other invited institutions for a week of intellectual competition, cultural exchange, and leadership development.
The championship ran from 26th July to 1st August 2026, turning Makerere into what organisers described as East Africa’s premier arena for ideas, innovation, and public discourse for the week.
The tournament featured British Parliamentary debate rounds, public speaking competitions, adjudication workshops, and networking sessions aimed at sharpening participants’ critical thinking, leadership, and persuasive communication skills. Debaters tackled contemporary issues spanning governance, economic transformation, technology, public health, climate change, and Africa’s future.
At the opening ceremony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor welcomed delegates to Makerere, framing the event as reflective of the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are not just academically strong but capable of leading meaningful conversations that shape society.
Beyond the debate rounds themselves, EAUDC 2026 doubled as a cultural exchange, with delegates experiencing Uganda’s heritage through social events, campus tours, and cultural showcases that built friendships across national lines, reinforcing the championship’s underlying belief that dialogue is a strong foundation for regional integration and cooperation.
The championship wrapped up with a Grand Finale at Makerere’s Main Hall on 31st July 2026, attended by students, alumni, university leaders, and debate enthusiasts. Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports, represented the Speaker of Parliament as Guest of Honour, congratulating Makerere on a successful event and encouraging students to keep debating.
Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Sarah Ssali pledged continued administrative support for the Makerere Debate Union, as teams demonstrated strong research, analytical reasoning, and eloquence before a panel of international adjudicators in one of the tournament’s most competitive editions yet.
With the East African chapter now concluded, attention shifts to the Pan-African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC) 2026, where Makerere University will once again represent East Africa on the continental stage.
The successful hosting of EAUDC 2026 adds to Makerere’s growing reputation as a regional centre for debating and public speaking, building on its long-standing tradition of producing strong debaters and giving students the chance to engage with peers from across the region.
