UNSA Debate Championships Busia 2025 are back and bigger than ever! The Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA) Debate, Poetry, and Speech Championships will be held on 28th June 2025 at Buhobe Secondary School under the theme: “Resilient, Patriotic, and Responsible Youths for Good Governance.” The neighboring district Tororo which recently was made a city will hold their own debates on 21 June , 2025 at Tropical College Tororo.
Since 2018, these competitions have transformed students’ communication skills, research abilities, and confidence. Over 30 schools and two tertiary institutions will participate, making this the biggest edition yet.
History of UNSA Debate Championships in Busia District
The UNSA debates began in 2018 at Riverside High School, with 15 schools and Busikho PTC participating. Lumino High School emerged as the first champions.
In 2019, Lumino High hosted, and 14 schools competed. Again, Lumino Community Polytechnic took the trophy. The 2022 edition at Lwangula Memorial saw participation from Namayingo District schools, sponsored by Hon. Odero Godfrey, MP Samia Bugwe South.
The 2023 event at St. Joseph High School Dabani had a surprise winner— Buhehe SS’s Wandera Hillary, who stunned everyone as the best public speaker. Last year, Majanji SS hosted, and Lumino High reclaimed the trophy.
Why UNSA Debate Championships Matter
These debates are more than just contests—they shape future leaders. Students improve in:
Public speaking & confidence
Critical thinking & research
Teamwork & networking
Talent identification
Schools like Lumino High have represented Busia at nationals twice, proving the impact of these events.
Despite success, challenges remain:
Poor debating skills due to lack of training.
Limited funding for trophies, medals, and certificates.
Low support from some school heads.
Solutions include:
Training workshops for debate patrons.
Fundraising from partners.
Sensitizing school administrators on the benefits of debates.
This Year’s Mega Event at Buhobe SS
The 4th edition promises to be the biggest yet. Key highlights:
30+ schools & 2 tertiary institutions participating.
Mock debate between local leaders and UNSA Busia.
RDC Busia as the Guest of Honour.
Schools expected Include:
Busia SS
Lumino High School – Defending Champions
Buhehe SS
Majanji SS
Masaba College Busia
Masinya SS
Alliance College Busia
Lunyo SS
Busiime Seed
Dabani Girl SS
St Joseph Dabani High
Buwumba Seed
Forward SS
Busia Trust SS
Busia Border Seed
Howard Christian High
Bilal high school
Taslim modern sd
Buwembe SS
Buhobe SS – Host
Riverside high school
Kayoro SS
Brain Trust SS
Bukalikha SS
Nalwie Technical
Lumino community
Sikuda Seed SS
Namungondi SS
Jerusalem High School
Namaubi SS
How You Can Support
Sponsors and well-wishers can help with:
Trophies & medals for winners.
Certificates for participants.
Transport & meals for students.
Your support will empower Busia’s youth to become better leaders and speakers.
The UNSA debates are a game-changer for Busia’s students. This year’s event at Buhobe SS on 28th June 2025 will be unforgettable. Let’s come together to nurture resilient, patriotic, and responsible youths for good governance!
For inquiries, contact:
Ojiambo Walter Namenya
+2567795196444
UNSA Students Coordinator, Busia District