Bushenyi — Mbarara High School has won the western Uganda regional schools debate tournament after beating hosts, Bweranyangi Girls School. In a final held on Sunday in Bushenyi, all the five judges ruled in Mbarara High School's favour -in a motion where the school defended the argument that the voting age be lowered to 15 years.

The winning team comprised Onesmus Mwesigwa, Joshua Aruho and Jordan Tumwesigye, a Senior Three student, who was also voted the best debater of the tournament. "I am delighted. I can't wait for the national championship in Kampala," said an excited Tumwesigye. "I want to defend our national crown."

Mbarara High School, which will now be one of western Uganda's representatives at the national tournament in Kampala in December, is also the reigning national debate champion--an accolade they won last year after defeating Mvara SS from Arua. On its way to the final, Mbarara High School defeated Ntare School, while Bweranyangi Girls beat Maryhill High School.

Nurturing debating culture

Mr Edgar Kangere, an official of the National Debate Council who coordinated the western championship, said: "We selected schools from Bushenyi, Mbarara, Fort Portal and Kasese--that have a strong debate culture but also were willing to participate. We hope other schools can get on board in future because debate is a resource that all children must be exposed to."

Besides the finalists and semi-finalists, Kyebambe Girls, Bwera S.S, St. Theresa Kasese and Nyakasura School, will also represent western Uganda at the national championships.