The
5th EAC University students’ debate, themed “Youth Participation in
Electoral Democracy”, has concluded at the prestigious Kigali
Independent University (ULK), with the appointment of the new EAC Youth
Ambassadors for next one year.
Addressing
the students and guests at a colourful gala dinner and award ceremony,
the Founder and President of Kigali Independent University, Prof. Dr.
Rwigamba Balinda, reiterated that debates train students in critical
thinking and creativity which are important for their success in the
digital age as well as in knowledge acquisition and development.
Prof.
Dr. Balinda said that debating enhances an individual’s communication
skills and encourages research, adding that it also inculcates the
culture of agreeing to disagree in addition to promoting tolerance and
peaceful co-existence in the society.
The
Vice Chancellor of the Kigali Independent University (ULK), Dr.
Ezechiel Sekibibi, congratulates a female student from the United
Republic of Tanzania.
“At
national, regional and global levels, debating/communication skills are
essential in negotiations and dialogues,” said the scholar.
The
ULK President challenged the youth to play an active role in promoting
the EAC integration agenda by mobilizing, sensitizing and advocating for
fellow students and youth through the EAC Youth Ambassadors’ Platform.
“Our
commitment and assurance as educators/higher learning institutions is
that we shall continue providing you with a conducive environment,
guidance and support to make your requisite contribution. We in Rwanda
have established debating clubs in universities, secondary schools and
held national inter-university and secondary school students’ debates on
regional integration annually,” said Prof. Balinda.
Speaking
during the same occasion, the EAC Deputy Secretary General (DSG) in
charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge, said one of the
cardinal objectives of the EAC University students’ debate is “building a
critical mass of youths as drivers of the integration process” and to
spread the gospel of integration among peers and build strong
relationships and networks that will solidify the integration process.
The
Vice Chancellor of the Kigali Independent University Dr, Ezechiel
Sekibibi hands over a certifi cate to Muhumuza Umar from the Mbarara
University of Science and Technology (the new EAC Youth Ambassador for
Uganda).
The
DSG urged Ministries responsible for EAC Affairs in the Partner States
and political leaders to support the work of the EAC Youth Ambassadors,
who have been selected this year, to effectively promote and implement
their integration programmes.
“These include but are not limited to mobilization, sensitization and information sharing with their peers,” said Mr. Njoroge.
He
said the 5th Debate was a transition that marks the end of term for the
EAC Youth Ambassadors for 2015/2016, but also ushers in the beginning
of a new term for the new EAC Ambassadors for 2016/2017.
He
urged the new and outgoing Ambassadors to continue being proactive and
advocating for the EAC integration in whatever they do so as to sustain
their slogan; “EAC Youth – We move it.”
At
the end of the debate, Mr. Patrick Ssemwogerere, from the Uganda
Christian University in Mukono, Uganda emerged the Best Male Debater,
while the Best Female Debater was Ms. Munduru Lucy Mega, from the
International University of East Africa in Kampala, Uganda.
The
Best Debating Team was the Alternative Strategy Team that comprised
Patrick Ssemwogerere from Uganda Christian University, Iribagiza
Rose Kelly from National University of Rwanda’s College of Business and
Economics, David Ndika from University of Dar es Salaam, and Muthuri
Brian Kithinji from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and
Technology in Kenya.
The newly appointed EAC Youth Ambassadors and their Deputies for the period 2016/2017 are as follows:
*
Rwanda: Ms. Iribagiza Rose Kelly from the National University of Rwanda
(Ambassador) and her Deputy is Ms. Yves Rene Uwayo also from the
National University of Rwanda
*
United Republic of Tanzania: Yohana Mayenga from the University of Dar
es salaam (Ambassador) and his Deputy is Ms. Suzane W Mollel from
Makumira University in Arusha, Tanzania
*
Kenya: Ms. Yvonne Anna Gathoni Muriithi Muthuri from the Catholic
University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi (Ambassador) and her Deputy is
Muthuri Brian Kithinji from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and
Technology
*
Uganda: Muhumuza Umar from the Mbarara University of Science and
Technology (Ambassador) and his Deputy is Ms. Naluyima Agwang Samantha
from Makerere University in Kampala
University
Students Debaters from the Republic of Burundi were expected but did
not show up. The Republic of South Sudan that has just joined the
Community is expected to participate in the 6th edition of the Students’
Debate.
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