By Aggrey Twesigye
The Deputy Inspector General of Government (D/IGG), Dr. Patricia Achan, has challenged learners to uphold integrity, ethical leadership, and environmental responsibility, saying education must shape values as well as intellect.
Dr. Achan was speaking as Chief Guest at the 2025 National Junior and Senior Debate Competitions (NJSDC & NSSDC), hosted at King’s College Budo and organised by the National Debate Council (NDC).
“Young people must be prepared to make ethical choices in leadership, governance, and environmental protection,” Dr. Achan said. “These debates prove that learners can think critically about issues that affect the nation.”
The competitions marked the 5th edition of the junior category and the 13th edition of the senior category, attracting schools from across the country under the theme “My Education, My Environment, My Ethics.”
In the junior category, Parental Care Nursery and Primary School Bushenyi emerged overall winners after defeating KY Board Primary School from Masaka City, securing the title for the third consecutive year.
Parental Care Bushenyi dominated individual awards, with Ashaba Isaiah named Overall Best Debater for the second year running and Asingwire Joy Precious winning Best Female Debater. The Championship Speakers’ Awards were swept by Parental Care learners, with Ashaba Isaiah taking Gold, Asingwire Joy Precious Silver, and Ninkusiima Leah Bronze.
In the senior category, King’s College Budo made a strong comeback after missing last year’s competition, defeating Mbarara High School (CHAAPA) in a tightly contested final.
Senior finalists debated the proposed sale of the collapsing Olweela Swamp to a foreign investor for rice growing, while junior finalists tackled a leadership motion comparing ideas versus money in school leadership.
Mr. Gasta Kakaire, Executive Director of the NDC, praised the learners’ discipline and research depth, while Mr. Desmond Tayebwa, headteacher of Parental Care Bushenyi, attributed the school’s success to its commitment to holistic education.
The headteacher of Parental Care Nursery and Primary School Bushenyi, Desmond Tayebwa, attributed the school’s continued success to its commitment to holistic education.
“We believe co-curricular activities are just as important as academics,” he said. “Over the years, our learners have excelled in debates, athletics, music, and other competitions. These activities help nurture disciplined, confident, and well-rounded students, and that is what we stand for.”
Parental Care Bushenyi recently won the Africa Debate Championship in Kigali, Rwanda.
