Eastern Regional Youth Debate Brings Together Students to Tackle Environmental and Climate Issues at Busitema University
Busitema University welcomed a diverse group of students, educators, and partner organizations for the Eastern Regional Youth Debate, an annual event aimed at promoting dialogue on environmental sustainability and climate action among young people. The debate, now in its fifth edition, was held on Wednesday, March 18, at the Conference Hall of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. It brought together participants from universities, colleges, and secondary schools across the region in a spirited exchange of ideas centered on water, environment, and climate change.
Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment and Youth Go Green, the event attracted teams from seven higher institutions and nine secondary schools. Among the universities and colleges represented were Busitema University, Islamic University in Uganda, Uganda Christian University, Makerere University Business School, Uganda Technical College–Elgon, and the School of Hygiene. Secondary schools in attendance included Soroti Secondary School, Nyondo Secondary School, Nkoma Secondary School, Mbale High School, and Tororo Progressive Academy, among others.
This year’s debate marked a shift in venue, having previously been hosted at Mbale Secondary School for two consecutive years. The move to Busitema University provided a larger platform for the growing competition, which continues to attract increasing participation.
The competition followed a structured format, with teams competing in group knockout stages before advancing to the finals. Successful participants will proceed to the national level of the debate.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Charles Muweesi, Director of Institutional Advancement at Busitema University, welcomed participants on behalf of the Vice Chancellor. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in building capacity and raising awareness among young people on critical environmental issues. Dr. Muweesi also recognized the support of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, noting its contribution to advancing conversations around water and climate change.
Eng. Maximo Twinomuhangi, the Ministry of Water and Environment coordinator, emphasized the broader impact of the debate. He described it as a platform that not only nurtures public speaking and critical thinking skills but also contributes to socio-economic development by encouraging the exchange of ideas among young, innovative minds.
Also addressing participants, Mr. Edwin Muhumuza, Chief Executive Officer of Youth Go Green, commended the teams for their engagement and assured them that the ideas generated would be compiled into a report to inform national-level discussions and policy considerations. He further announced the upcoming Water and Environmental Week for the Eastern Region in 2026, inviting participants to take part in the initiative.
The day’s program featured debate sessions held across various lecture rooms, alongside public speaking activities in the main conference hall. At the close of the event, participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their involvement, with top performers advancing to the next stages of the competition.
Although Busitema University did not progress beyond the initial rounds, its team was praised for its competitive spirit and active participation in an event that continues to grow as a key platform for youth engagement on environmental issues.
