Makerere University has won the 4th annual Uganda Dialogue Arena (UDA) debate championships that took place at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) in Nakawa, on the 20th and 21st September 2018 with Kyambogo University (KYU) in the second position.
The two universities KYU and MUK went against MUK second team, which came in the third position and UCU in the fourth position. Four teams qualified for the final rounds out of 40 teams that participated in the 2 days competitions.
The debate was the first ever competition of its kind to be hosted at MUBS organized by the UDA, in partnership with Action Aid, the European Union, the MUBS Debate Society and the university guild government.
“This is the first debate competition of its kind” said Juliet Kalega, the Dean of Students MUBS, commenting on the fact that the university had never hosted any debate competitions.
“It is historic” she added appreciating the organizers.
A total of 18 universities including, Mountains of the Moon University, Busitema University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Makerere University, Uganda Christian University, Islamic University in Uganda (Kampala Campus), YMCA Wandegeya, Kisubi University, ISBAT University, Cavendish University, Ankole Western University, Muni University, Kampala International University, Mutesa 1 Royal University, Bishop Stuart University, Gulu University and the host Makerere University Business School participated in the competitions.
“We run these debates to empower young people with confidence and take active roles in the governance of their society” said Friedrick T. Musiimenta, the founder and chief executive of the UDA.
The students debated up to 6 motions, all derived from the central theme of the competition “Youth economic and political inclusion; the role of young men and women in the Africa we want.”
The students under the motions such as This house would establish the United States of Africa, This house regrets the migration of African youth to the Western world inter alia) raised contentious issues that the students felt needed attention amongst states debating on the vision of a united Africa and the Youth involvement. The major question being whether or not to adopt the African Agenda 2063, that was developed in 2012 to lead the development of Africa.
The Agenda is premised on 7 aspirations (1) A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, (2) An integrated continent, politically united, based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s renaissance, (3) An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law, (4) A peaceful and secure Africa, (5) An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics, (6) An Africa whose development is people driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children, and (7) Africa as a strong, united and influential global player and partner.
The students supporting the agenda defended the vision arguing that African development should be driven by its own people, and defeat neocolonialism tendencies that are currently ravaging the continent which the students claimed is the “greatest evil facing African countries” arguing that Africa needs to be self-reliant, which can be attained through the unity. The government side attributed the problems of African leaders to the influence of the Western powers who lend money with strings attached.
They argued that Africa needs to adopt the idea of Ubuntu and realize that African states need each other in order to develop, submitting that youth that travel abroad are being exploited, and they should in effect return and develop their own continent together. Youth overseas-travel is eroding the African heritage.
The teams challenged to the vision claimed it is an unachievable dream that is playing with the “psychology of the youth” arguing that the involvement of many African heads in the management of individual state affairs, is akin to the saying “too many cooks spoil the broth”. They also argued that the more developed African countries did not have to wait for vision 2063, but instead acted on their goals and developed. They also argued that the agenda does not mention the “how” of implementation making it unattainable.
The opposers of the motion also hinted on the point that the development of Africa cannot be realized if the same old people are in power but empower the youth to take up leadership positions, arguing that the people cannot rely on the leadership under the Agenda if they do not even believe in their own governments.
They claimed that the question of diversity, through a united Africa has driven conflict on the continent and therefore would not create sustainability.
The debate was a first for many. It was also the first time according to a student from ISBAT University that their university has stepped out to participate in an inter-university competition.
“The performances of the different students was very impressive,” says Ahabwe Peter, one of the adjudicators for the debate.
At the end of the debate, the best two teams (4 speakers) were promised a fully paid trip to debate before the East African Community assembly in Arusha and trophies also given to the best 3 teams.
The best male speaker was Murangira Urban from KIU and the and the female best speaker was Kanyesigye Ednah from KYU. The other two speakers were Ann Atyang from KYU and Mulisa Emmanuel from the same university.
The top 3 adjudicators were also awarded for their roles, with Peter Ahabwe taking the lead. Certificates were also awarded to all the participants.
