East African Debate Championship 2026 Concludes in Uganda

Organised by Writing Our World (WOW) Uganda, iDebate Rwanda, and the Joint Debate Society (JDS), all recent members of the IDEA network, the championship once again showed how debate continues to create spaces for young people to think critically, speak confidently, and connect across borders.
Students from Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan spent the tournament competing in rounds, sharing ideas, and building friendships beyond the debate chambers. While the competition itself was intense, the atmosphere throughout the week reflected something bigger: a growing regional community of young people who believe in dialogue, leadership, and collaboration. During the tournament, students also got to tour the source of Nile and Arena mall in Kampala.

South Sudan’s Strong Presence
South Sudan arrived at the tournament with 12 debate teams and a strong group of public speakers, continuing the country’s growing presence within the East African debate space.
The delegation included students from Venue Star, Amoto Girls Academy, Darling Wisdom Pentagon, Darling Wisdom Glasgow, Juba Proper International College, St. Lawrence, and Pomerleau Secondary School. Debate academies including the Junub Debate Academy (JDA) and the Jonglei Debate Academy also fielded competitive teams that performed strongly throughout the tournament.
Across multiple rounds, South Sudanese speakers demonstrated confidence, preparation, and determination, earning respect from participants and adjudicators alike.

Championship Results
After days of competition, St. Henry’s College Kitovu of Uganda emerged as the overall champions of EADC 2026.
Among the standout performers were the debaters from Junub Debate Academy, who entered the tournament determined to challenge some of the region’s most established programs. Although the title remained in Uganda this year, the team’s performance reflected the steady rise of debate in South Sudan and the growing ambition of its young debaters.
Attention now turns to the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC), set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya later this July, where several participants hope to continue representing the region on the international stage. World Schools Debating Championship

Behind the Tournament
Participants and guests praised the organisation of the championship, from the quality of adjudication to the welcoming atmosphere created throughout the event. Much of the success of EADC 2026 came down to the work of a committed organising team led by Joel Mukisa, Tournament Director under WOW Uganda, who coordinated the championship and helped deliver one of the tournament’s most organised editions to date. Garang Kuot, serving as Chief Adjudicator and Country Head Coach, oversaw adjudication and maintained strong competitive standards throughout the event, while Jeremiah Deng, Program Manager and Assistant Tournament Director, played an important role in logistics and in supporting the South Sudanese delegation during the championship.

More Than Competition
For the participants, EADC 2026 was about more than trophies and rankings. It was an opportunity to meet peers from across the region, exchange experiences, and return home with new perspectives and renewed motivation.
As delegations departed Uganda, they carried with them not only memories of speeches and debate rounds, but also friendships, lessons, and a stronger sense of what East African youth can build together through dialogue.
With organisations like WOW Uganda, iDebate Rwanda, and JDS continuing to invest in debate education, the future of debate and public speaking in East Africa looks brighter than ever.

Achiek Deng Kuot
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Joint Debate Society South Sudan