SMACK to represent Uganda in US

St Mary’s College Kisubi team which to represent the country in the US debate

What you need to know:

  • Joseph Nuwagaba, 16, said it was tight because participants had to have vast knowledge on all the five topics of diplomacy, science of memory, special area and art and music that were discussed.

St Mary’s College Kisubi is set to represent Uganda in the U.S starting November 16 in academic mentorship after they emerged winners of the World Scholar’s cup Kampala round that was concluded in September 2018.
This made them qualify for the Global round where different countries came together to debate in Durban, South Africa, where they still emerged as winners.

Lessons from the previous debate
“During the debate, I learnt that people argue in a friendly way without being arrogant. I learnt how to debate in harmony. When debating, I learnt how to be enthusiastic and patriotic for my country. I learnt the skill of expressing myself and being open in case I am offended by something without hiding it,” siad Nicholas Tendo Ssekitende, one of the eight students who participated in the debate.
“We were determined, had a positive attitude and team work. What let down our competitors was that they didn’t have team work,” he added.
Joseph Nuwagaba, 16, said it was tight because participants had to have vast knowledge on all the five topics of diplomacy, science of memory, special area and art and music that were discussed.

“I learnt that preparation is key for any team if you are to perform in anything especially if you are representing a school and a country as a whole,” Nuwagaba said.

Some of the SMACK students who participated at the World Scholar's debate in South Africa


Yiga Benedict, 15, also a participant of the world scholar’s cup said the debates tested one’s capability to relate past events with the present.
Other students on the team included Brian Munyigwa, Marvin Murungi, Adrian Ssengendo, Willibrood Zo and Elvis Wakinga Namanda.
There were also schools from Ukraine and Botswana, among others.

What the cup is about
Simeon Mpanga, the deputy Headmaster in charge of academics at the school said the World Scholar’s Cup is all about linking students from all corners of the world to come together for the spirit of identity, citizenship, academic proficiency and leadership skills.
The cup started in 2008 and since then, the school has participated thrice in the cup. This will be the fourth time the school is participating. They will be travelling on November 15 2018 and return on November 21 2018.
“We expect students to add on what they have learned in terms of academic proficiency, leadership skills and exposure and other fields. We also expect them to get a mental shift in terms of thinking, reasoning and developing their continent.”