Zombo, Uganda: Charity College Secondary School has been crowned champions of the 2026 West Nile Inter-School Debate Competition, defeating six other schools in a contest aimed at strengthening students’ understanding of environmental protection, climate action and related public policies.
The competition was organised by the non-governmental organisations SPACE and RICE West Nile, in partnership with the Madi Debate Society (MDS) under the theme: “Strengthening Environmental Accountability and Climate Action in West Nile.”
The event brought together students from secondary schools across the West Nile sub-region to debate issues surrounding environmental conservation, climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
Charity College emerged overall winners after impressing judges with strong arguments and effective public speaking throughout the competition, while Pakadha Seed Secondary School finished as first runners-up after presenting submissions as the proposition team during the final debate.
Other participating schools included Paidha Seed Secondary School, Atyak Secondary School and St. Aloysius College Nyapea. Meanwhile, schools that did not attend included Warr Girls Secondary School, Aluka Secondary School and Jangokoro Secondary School.
Lornah Kwiocwiny of Charity College Secondary School was named the Best Speaker of the tournament.
She encouraged fellow students to actively participate in debate competitions, saying they enhance research skills, public speaking and confidence. “Students from schools that did not show up should endeavour to prepare for other opportunities because such engagements broaden our scope of research in various fields,” Lornah said.
Other outstanding speakers included:
Ivan Opio – Second Best Speaker (74.6 points)
Daphine Maditrwoth – Third Best Speaker (72.3 points)
Youth Engagement in Climate Action
Irene Apio, Project Officer at SPACE, said the competition sought to increase youth awareness of environmental rights, environmental protection and climate change mitigation. “This debate was aimed at increasing youth engagement in environmental protection, environmental rights and climate change mitigation.”
She urged schools that missed the competition to participate in future editions, noting that such platforms promote peer-to-peer learning and leadership development.
Former Zombo District Speaker Hassan Ringtho encouraged students to continue developing their debating and public speaking skills.
“Public speaking transforms students by building confidence, sharpening critical thinking and developing leadership skills. It allows them to organise thoughts clearly, improves classroom participation and prepares them for successful future careers.”
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Bruno Mananu applauded the organisers for promoting environmental awareness among young people. He said nurturing environmental stewardship among the youth is critical in addressing the growing effects of climate change.
“The government is taking strides in integrating climate change mitigation into national planning and promoting sustainable forestry and energy use, making sustainable use of forests, mountains and rangelands through community engagement and restoration initiatives.”
Mananu urged students to become ambassadors for environmental conservation in their schools and communities, saying their involvement is vital in building a sustainable future.
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