When did the 2025 NIRA Schools Debate start?
KAMPALA, UGANDA – On May 5, 2025, Kitante Hill School in Kampala buzzed with intellectual fervor as the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports and Debate Society Uganda, launched the 2025 NIRA Schools Debate. This two-day inter-school competition, themed around the importance of national identification, brought together over 20 secondary schools from across Uganda to engage in spirited debates, public speaking, poetry, and essay writing.
Who hosted 2025 NIRA Schools Debate?
The event, hosted by Pamela Malaika, kicked off with a powerful call to action from NIRA’s Executive Director, Rosemary Kisembo. Addressing the students, Kisembo emphasized the urgency of national identification, noting that 18.2 million Ugandans, mostly under 17, remain unregistered. “This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to be visible, vocal, and valid,” she said, urging young people to recognize the value of a National Identification Number (NIN) in accessing education and other services.
The competition centered on thought-provoking motions tied to NIRA’s mass enrollment and renewal campaign. In the opening round, students tackled the topic, “Schools should admit only NIRA-registered students.” Nyakasura School faced off against Bweranyangi Girls, while Muni Girls Secondary School took on St. Henry’s College Kitovu. The second round saw Sebei College Tegeres debate Bweranyangi Girls and Kitante Hill School challenge Mbale Secondary on whether “Replacement of National IDs should be free.” These topics sparked lively exchanges, with students showcasing sharp reasoning and bold perspectives on the role of national identification in shaping Uganda’s future.
Organized as part of NIRA’s broader push to promote NIN registration, the event served as a platform to engage youth in critical discussions about civic responsibility. The Ministry of Education and Sports underscored the debate’s alignment with the national curriculum’s focus on continuous assessment and civic education. Debate Society Uganda, a long-time advocate for youth empowerment through oratory, ensured the competition maintained high standards, with regional schools like those from West Nile and Karamoja adding diverse voices to the dialogue.
The NIRA Schools Debate not only highlighted the intellectual prowess of Uganda’s youth but also underscored the importance of national identification in fostering an inclusive society. As the event continues on May 6, it promises to further amplify the voices of young Ugandans, encouraging them to take an active role in their country’s development.
