As part of the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations across the Kigezi sub-region, secondary school students engaged in spirited debates highlighting the importance of defending the gains of the 1986 revolution and honouring Uganda’s freedom fighters.
In Kabale District, Bishop Kivengere Girls’ School, Muyebe, faced off against St. Gertrude’s Girls’ Vocational Secondary School, Mutolere, on the theme: “This House Asserts that defending the gains of the 1986 revolution and honouring the freedom fighters is essential for achieving national unity, peace and socio-economic transformation in Uganda.”
Speaking during the debate, Lt Col Robert Kamuntu, Tarehe Sita team leader, urged students to value the freedom to participate in such discussions without fear.
“When there is security, a lot can be achieved,” he said, reminding the students to guard the prevailing peace and remain vigilant against those who seek to destabilise it.
The District Education Officer, Mr. Francis Mwijukye, highlighted national achievements since 1986, including infrastructural development, improved social services, and the consolidation of peace.
Students described the debates as empowering opportunities to express their views and build confidence while teachers from both schools praised the Joint Staff Political Commissariat for fostering a supportive environment for learning and discussion.
Elsewhere, at Kisoro Municipal Council, Seseme Girls Secondary School debated St. Agatha Girls Secondary School, Kakore, under the same motion.
The affirmative team from Seseme Girls emerged victorious, presenting strong arguments on the importance of defending the revolution’s gains to maintain peace, stability, gender equality, and national development.
The Deputy RDC Dan Ndikumwami congratulated the winners and encouraged all participants to continue spreading the message of defending Uganda’s freedom and honouring its heroes.
Lt Col Patrick Mukundane, Director of Education, Sports and Culture, emphasised the role of ideological debates in shaping the mindset of future leaders.
In Kanungu District, the debate between Kihihi Moslem Secondary School and Kashenyi Secondary School was officiated by Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Awuye Abdallah, who commended the UPDF for initiating the exercise as a tool for youth engagement and understanding of Uganda’s liberation struggle.
Major Josephat Tumukunde, Head of Education under UPDF Joint Staff, highlighted its role in instilling values of peace, security, and social transformation in the country’s future leaders.
Rukungiri Municipal Council also hosted an inter-school debate featuring Immaculate Heart Girls’ School, Nyakibale, and St. Paul Secondary School, Bukinda.
Presiding over the event, Col Robert Ngabirano, UPDF Director of Education, Sports and Culture–Air Force, applauded the students for their intellect and courage. St. Paul Secondary School, Bukinda, emerged victorious, with the students expressing gratitude to the President and UPDF leadership for providing platforms that nurture youth talent.
Across all venues, the debates demonstrated not only the students’ understanding of Uganda’s history and achievements but also their skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and civic responsibility.
The 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary has served as a vibrant platform to engage the young generation in reflecting on the nation’s past while inspiring commitment to its ongoing peace and development.
