Kigali, Rwanda – June 3, 2024
In a spectacular display of eloquence, critical thinking, and teamwork, the Debate Cranes have emerged victorious at the prestigious Kigali East African Schools Debating Championship. The event, which brought together the brightest young minds from across East Africa, culminated in a thrilling final that saw the Debate Cranes clinch the coveted championship title. The team was composed of:
- Hermon Asmerom from Mengo Senior School (Team Captain)
- Abaala Micah Rumanyika from St Mary’s College Kisubi (Co-Team Captain)
- Shanis Akatucungura from Gombe Secondary School.
The Kigali East African Schools Debating Championship is renowned for its rigorous competition and high standards. This year’s edition, held at the Kigali Convention Centre, featured over 50 schools from countries including Uganda (19 Teams), South Sudan(5 teams), Rwanda and (17 teams). Teams competed in a series of debates on a wide range of topics, from global politics and environmental issues to social justice and technological advancements.
The Debate Cranes, representing Uganda, demonstrated exceptional prowess throughout the tournament. Their journey to the top was marked by intense rounds of debate against some of the most formidable teams in the region. The final round, which focused on the motion “This house believes that East African Countries should implement a universal basic income to alleviate poverty and income inequality” showcased the Debate Cranes’ ability to articulate compelling arguments, rebut opposing views, and engage the audience with their passionate delivery.
Judges praised the Debate Cranes for their depth of knowledge, strategic thinking, and cohesiveness as a team.
“Their arguments were not only well-researched and logically sound but also delivered with a level of confidence and clarity that set them apart from the other teams,” noted one of the adjudicators.
The victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Debate Cranes’ members and their coaches. The team’s captain, Hermon Asmerom, expressed her joy and gratitude after the win. “This victory is a dream come true for us. We thank the Almighty God who has made this to happen. We have trained tirelessly for this moment, and it’s incredible to see our efforts pay off. We are grateful to our coaches, our school, and everyone who supported us along the way. ”
She added on her twitter ”It is those moments that last forever . An unbeaten run with the team was worth an experience . Thanks to all the coaches and above all to God.”
This triumph adds to the growing list of accolades for the Debate Cranes, who have consistently been one of the top-performing teams in the region. Their success at the Kigali East African Schools Debating Championship not only brings pride to Uganda but also highlights the importance of debate and public speaking in fostering critical thinking and leadership skills among young people.
As the champions of the Kigali East African Schools Debating Championship, the Debate Cranes have set a high benchmark for future competitions. Their victory serves as an inspiration to other young debaters and underscores the value of dedication, teamwork, and intellectual rigor.
The Debate Cranes’ win at this prestigious event is a momentous achievement that will be remembered for years to come. Congratulations to the Debate Cranes for their outstanding performance and for bringing the championship title home to Uganda!