In a deliberate effort to promote democracy, the US Embassy in Uganda is introducing a monthly debate programme to encourage critical thinking, personal expression, and tolerance for the opinions of others.

The first debate will take place at the U.S. Mission's Information Resource Center, U.S. Embassy in Kampala on Jan. 16 under the theme "The American Civil Rights Movement."

Thereafter, the program will take place once a month, every third Wednesday of the month from 2:30 to 4:30 PM for a period of six months. The debates will be on topical issues for both Uganda and the United States.

According to a statement posted on the US embassy's Facebook page, university students and other young people interested in participating in this programme need to register by e-mailing

The programme will take 20 participants and anyone attending the first debate must continue to participate for the entire 6-month period.

Participants are also expected to respect each other and engage in an open and honest exchange of ideas, the statement notes.