The University of Rwanda – College of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine (UR-CAVM) emerged winners of the concluded Inter- University Debate Competition on East African Community integration.

The competition organised by the Ministry for EAC affairs, which concluded on Tuesday informing and educating Rwandan youth about the East African Community integration agenda and providing a platform for young people to share ideas on regional integration through debate.

The competition drew 32 debaters from 16 universities, colleges and institutions of higher learning across Rwanda all battling for the top prize. They were tested on their knowledge of the EAC regional integration agenda, public speaking skills, and confidence.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the chief guest, East African Legislative Assembly Member, Valerie Nyirahabineza, appreciated the role the Rwandan government was playing by creating wider awareness on EAC integration amongst Rwandan youth.

She urged the students to make use of EALA representatives on any key EAC issues they may have.

The top three teams were awarded medals, laptops and a trophy for the overall winner, UR-CAVM.

University of Gitwe, and University of Lay Adventists in Kigali (UNILAK) followed as girst and second runners up respectively.

Meanwhile, Sabrine Uwimana (University of Rwanda – College of Business & Economics) was recognised as best female speaker while Mekha Ndayisenga was recognised as best malespeaker – (Mount Kenya University – Rwanda).

The two-day competition began on Monday at UNILAK and concluded with the semifinals and finals at the Rwanda Revenue Hall.

The activity was part of the Ministry’s outreach to civil society actors in Rwanda, according to organizers.

This month, the Ministry has reached out to over 10 secondary schools targeting more than 4,000 high school students to sensitise them on the EAC integration agenda, what it means to them and to challenge them on their roles as EAC citizens.

This was followed by the Inter-university Debate Competition which attracted 16 universities across the country and involved total of 150 students – debaters and participants.

The Ministry’s civil society outreach campaign will conclude today with a consultative forum with the Rwandan Civil Society Forum.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw