King’s College Budo shines with a Junior Award at JOZI SHO Summer Open – NTV Uganda
King’s College Budo’s junior debate squads delivered a remarkable performance at the JOZI SHO Summer Open 2025, widely regarded as Africa’s premier Schools Debate Championship. The event took place at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the teams earned the overall Junior Award for their excellence.
A new generation of Ugandan debaters will carry the nation’s flag to the Qatar Debate Open in October next year. The squad selections include: Kiira College Butiki – Open Category Winners; Aga Khan High School – 1st Runners-up, International Category; Holy Cross Lake View – Winners, International Category; Mengo Senior School – 2nd Runners-up, Public Speaking; Uganda Martyrs Senior Secondary School Namugongo – Runners-up, Public Speaking; and Shree Sahajanand School – Finalists in Public Speaking.
Thoughtfully, these results highlight how teamwork, preparation, and confident speaking can propel students onto the international stage. Some observers might question whether Uganda’s schools should shift focus toward broader debate formats beyond traditional public speaking to sustain momentum. Yet the success at JOZI SHO clearly demonstrates that with structured coaching and robust competition exposure, younger debaters can compete at the highest levels.
And this is the part many readers miss: the real takeaway isn’t only the medals, but the ecosystem that supports these debaters—mentors, peer practice, and school leadership recognizing the value of critical thinking and argumentation. If you’re curious about how to build a similar program in your school, what practical steps would you take first? Comment below with your thoughts or experiences, and let’s discuss how to cultivate the next wave of champions in debate.
