KAMPALA – Makerere University will host the East African Universities Debate Championships (EAUDC) 2026, bringing together more than 20 universities from across the region for a week-long competition aimed at promoting critical thinking, leadership and youth participation in Africa’s transformation.
The championship, scheduled for July 26 to August 1, 2026, will be organised by the Makerere University Debate Union (MDU) under the Office of the Dean of Students.
This year’s championship will run under the theme “From Dialogue to Action: The Role of Youth in Africa’s Transformation” and has been named EAUDC Zaabu, with Zaabu being a Luganda word meaning gold, reflecting Makerere’s ambition to deliver a gold-standard platform for debate and public speaking.
The East African Universities Debate Championship (EAUDC) is the premier annual inter-university debate and public speaking competition in East Africa, bringing together students from universities across the region to compete in British Parliamentary debate and public speaking.
Beyond competition, the championship provides a platform for young leaders to engage in conversations on social, political, economic and global challenges while strengthening regional integration and cross-cultural exchange.
Speaking during the launch of the event, Makerere University Dean of Students Dr Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli said the university views debate as an important component of holistic student development.
“Education is not only about qualifications. When you come to Makerere, it is not only about educational qualifications, but it is about whole student development, including leadership, critical thinking and social responsibility,” she said.
Dr Kabumbuli said debate remains one of the most significant areas of student engagement because it equips learners with skills beyond the classroom.
She added that the championship demonstrates Makerere University’s commitment to nurturing students who can analyse issues, engage in constructive dialogue and contribute to society.
The event is organised by the Makerere University Debate Union, the official student organisation responsible for promoting debate, public speaking, poetry and critical discourse at the university.
Through weekly training sessions, public forums, inter-college competitions and participation in national and international tournaments, MDU seeks to develop students’ communication, leadership, advocacy and policy analysis skills.
The Union has consistently represented Makerere University in competitive debating and public speaking events, while promoting a culture of dialogue, civic engagement and academic excellence.
Some of MDU’s major activities during the 2025/2026 academic year include the Makerere Freshers Tournament, Makerere Inter-College Debates, World Press Freedom Day Debates, Olympia Debate Championships, New Vision Inter-University Challenge 2025, World AIDS Day Debate Competition, and the Mr. and Miss Ozone Competition by NEEMA, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Arthur Akatwijuka, Chairperson of the Organising Committee, said hosting EAUDC 2026 is an opportunity for students from across East Africa to discuss challenges facing the continent and propose solutions.
“The East African University Debate is an annual event that happens in different countries across the East African Community. It is rotational, and this year we won the bid to host,” Ssentujuko said.
He explained that the championship will bring together universities from across the East African Community, including institutions from both English- and French-speaking countries.
“It is going to be a residential tournament for the whole week. We have an opening ceremony on July 27, and the closing ceremony is going to be on July 31,” he said.
Akatwijuka said the theme of the championship reflects the need for young Africans to move beyond discussions and actively participate in solving challenges affecting the continent.
“This conversation is about having students across the East African Community coming together and discussing the social, economic and other problems happening in Africa and, through their education, suggesting solutions to those problems,” he said.
He added that the choice of the name EAUDC Zaabu represents Makerere University’s commitment to creating a memorable and high-quality debate experience.
“Zaabu is a Luganda word for gold. The analogy is that Makerere University is delivering a gold-standard festival of debate and public speaking for the whole week that we shall be here.”
The championship is expected to attract student debaters, adjudicators and university representatives from across East Africa, further positioning Makerere University as a centre for intellectual exchange and youth leadership development.