By Natalie Bertha

On August 12-17, the Spoken Arts Debate Society (SADS) participated in the East African University Debate Championship (EAUDC). Hosted at the State University of Zanzibar, the championship aimed at promoting critical thinking, public speaking, and effective communication among students, providing a platform for intellectual exchange and competition. The event was organized in conjunction with Tanzania Competitive Rhetoric Organisation (TCRO), an organization that promotes public speaking and debating by organizing events and platforms for young people to develop critical thinking and communication skills.

As one of the most prestigious debate events within the East African university debating circuit, the tournament brought together participants from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Zanzibar, making it a truly diverse gathering for innovative debaters.

The SADS team exuded immense determination and consistent adaptability to the rigorous competition in both judging and speaking, and despite the tough competition, the team made it to the finals in both public speaking and debate categories

EAUDC is renowned for uniting talented debaters and public speakers across East Africa in the spirit of healthy competition and intellectual exchange, and by participating in such a high-profile event, SADS has reinforced USIU-Africa’s reputation as a beacon of intellectual exchange. This is emphasized by the fact that the top two best-awarded speakers are from this institution. As the debate space reflects on this competition, there is high anticipation for future opportunities to compete and grow as the future of East Africa’s leaders and thinkers.

SADS extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, judges, volunteers, and supporters who made the event possible and looks forward to participating in and possibly hosting more events to come.