By Denis Bakampemukira.

The long awaited  4^th Edition female public speaking competition finals were held last week on 9^th November 2012 at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala under the theme “Youth and Democratization Process in Uganda”. The debate was organized by the National Youth Council. Students from different campuses presented papers on topics such as Youth and human rights, youth and teenage pregnancy; should abortion be legalized, among others.

The best student, Neola Bamukunda won herself a new Samsung laptop,the second winner, Oboma Florence walked away with a television screen.  Ayoch Abikairi from Kyambogo University won herself a DVD player as the third winner. Akiidi Esther from St. Lawrence University got a hoofer and Maureen from Kampala International University walked away with a flat iron.

The judgment was based on the presenter’s general presentation, capturing attention, time management, content of the speech, clarity, purpose of the presentation, grammar, confidence.

Nine universities took part in these competitions and were represented by twenty students. The universities included Nkumba, MUBs, Kyambogo, Makarere, Kampala International University, Islamic University In Uganda, Busitema, Cavendish and St.Lawrence.

The commissioner for youth and children affairs, Mondo Kyateka assured students that the National Youth Council will sponsor best students for one year. He encouraged them to continue practicing in public speaking.

 “we want to rejuvenate debating clubs in schools to encourage public speaking from the lower level”, Mondo said.

The chief guest Amelia Kyambade, the minister of Trad and Industry revealed that the government is willing to support the youths through the Youth Development Fund.

Other in attendance included Maria Matembe, the former Mbarara Municipality Member of Parliament who told the students that speech is the greatest talent one can have on earth and that great speeches have changed the world.