Greenhill Academy Emerges Champion of Inaugural UCC Debate Series

Greenhill Academy made the most of their home-ground advantage, emerging champions of the inaugural UCC Debate Series and walking away with a fully equipped computer laboratory.

The grand finale took place on December 5, 2025, at Greenhill Academy in Kibuli, marking the climax of a nationwide journey aimed at empowering young Ugandans to participate meaningfully and safely in the digital world. The chief guest was Ms Frances Atima, the Principal Inspector of Schools.

Young people in Uganda and globally are the largest and most dynamic demographic of digital citizens. They are the most active users of ICTs, the fastest adopters of emerging technologies, and the natural drivers of innovation. Yet, despite their prominence online, they face heightened risks and are often left out of conversations shaping the digital future. Listening to their voices ensures that Uganda’s digital transformation remains inclusive, safe, and reflective of their needs and aspirations.

It is against this background that the Uganda Communications Commission, under the Consumer Empowerment and Stakeholder Engagement Programme, launched the UCC Debate Series – an interactive platform designed to amplify youth perspectives, promote responsible online behaviour, and spark conversations on digital safety and the future of communication technologies.

This year’s edition attracted an impressive 17,800 students from 71 secondary schools across the country, each contributing to the shared mission of building a safer and more responsible digital future. The finale hosted 245 exceptional debaters from 50 schools who had excelled at the regional stage of the competition.

Speaking at the grand finale, the Ag. Executive Director Julianne Mweheire extended appreciation to all participating schools, especially those that hosted regional stages, and to Greenhill Academy for hosting the national finals.

Why the Debate Series?

Uganda is undergoing rapid digital transformation. Children and youth today engage with information and communication technologies much earlier and more intensely than any previous generation. However, alongside opportunity comes risks such as cyberbullying, identity theft, misinformation, and online exploitation, among other threats, demanding awareness and preparedness.

As the communications regulator, UCC’s mandate extends beyond infrastructure and connectivity. It includes a duty to educate and empower digital citizens, ensuring young people are equipped to benefit from ICTs while safeguarding their wellbeing.

This year’s theme, “Empowering the Youth for a Safer Digital Future,” reflects our collective responsibility. Government, educators, industry, parents, and communities must work hand in hand to build an online environment where young people can thrive confidently and responsibly.

The UCC Debate Series sought to create an experiential learning space where virtues such as research ability, critical thinking, teamwork, communication, digital literacy, and ethical decision-making are nurtured. The Ag. Executive Director pledged that insights generated throughout the competition will inform ongoing policy discussions on child online protection, data privacy, digital inclusion, and ICT sector governance.

Organised in partnership with Debate Institute Africa, the programme awarded the champions with a fully furnished computer laboratory, while top teams also received laptops and tablets.

Yet, as the Ag. Executive Director emphasised, every student at the national stage of the competition is a winner. In fact, beyond trophies, every participant walked away with skills and exposure that far outweigh physical prizes.

The competition aside, finalists got the opportunity to visit the office premises of UCC, MTN, Airtel, ATC Uganda and MultiChoice Uganda, gaining first-hand exposure to the key drivers of the ICT ecosystem and drawing inspiration for future careers in communications.

BEST SCHOOL DEBATE TEAM: Greenhill Academy

1. Helena Namutebi Kizito
2. Yebuyinza Cyrus
3. Mukisa Glenn Jeremy

1ST RUNNER-UP: Kawempe Muslim SS

1. Aisha Namata
2. Kabogoza Hussein
3. Ssebunya Hamza

2ND RUNNER-UP: Soroti Secondary School

1. Anuo Doreen
2. Ocan Davis Fabian
3. Renge Apollo

BEST DEBATER: Mukisa Glenn Jeremy (Greenhill Academy)

RUNNER UP: Nuwagaba Innocent – Holy Cross Lake View SSS, Jinja

BEST PUBLIC SPEAKER: Abasa Leila Mutesi – Holy Cross Lake View SSS, Jinja

RUNNER UP: Martha Sylvia – Greenhill Academy