Theme: INNOVATING SOLUTIONS - CREATIVITY, TECHNOLOGY & RESILIENCE
08 Sep 2026 · St. Jude Secondary School, Smith Campus, Arusha Tanzania
Register NowThe EASDC Council and The Tanzania National Debate Society (TANDS) in partnership with the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), cordially invite you to the 2026 East African Schools Debate Championship (EASDC).
Tanzania National Debate Society (TANDS) is a Tanzanian based and registered society that partners with other registered debate entities from the East African Community in running the East African Debate Championship (EASDC) since 2019 that was concluded in the East African Legislative Assembly Chambers (EALA) graced by the 4th Assembly Speaker Emeritus (2017 -2022) Rt. Hon. Martin Ngoga who pledged and committed support to the initiative since then.
The theme for the year is “INNOVATING SOLUTIONS - CREATIVITY, TECHNOLOGY & RESILIENCE.”
The Tanzania National Debate Society (TANDS) has collaborated with Debate organizations from the region for skill exchange and quality assurance to meet international standards of experienced debate and public speaking registered entities from the National Debate Council Uganda, Oration Hub-Kenya and Tanzania National Debate Society.
The Chief Adjudication Panel (CAP) 2026 will be led by Mr. Roy Raymond a key leader in the Tanzania National Debate Society and the Tab will be Mastered by Mr. Innocent Alvin from Oration Hub – Kenya who will be joined by other seasoned judges from registered entities in the East African member countries.
In inspiring our young generation towards these 21st century skills we shall have the Arusha Regional Commissioner, the Rt Honorable speaker of the East African and other dignitaries speak to the participants and also be hosted in the chambers of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in the presence of the Rt. Honarable Speaker on our Grand Final presentations. We shall also have a day tour to Tarangire National park as an inspiration to appreciate nature towards this universal fight agaisnt climate change on our excursion day.
To ensure inclusivity, participants in the Public Speaking category are welcome to use any of the following three languages: English, Kiswahili or French. However, please note that only English will be used for the Debate and Quiz categories.
This therefore serves as a notice imploring you to participate in this intelectual sport.
The tournament details are as follows:
Dates, Venue & Host
The tournament will run from Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th September 2026. Our hosting institution is St. Jude Secondary School, Smith Campus located in Usariver, Arusha Tanzania were all participants will be accommodated except those who will need private accomodation off campus on special arrangements at extra costs besides the partcipation fees.
The Tournament will consist of four (4) tracks/umbrellas/activities in order to avail more grounds of participation with independent lines of supervision, adjudication and awarding. These will be Debate, Public Speaking, Poetry and Quiz Challenge.
A team will have a minimum of three Speakers and a maximum of 2 reserves (extra speakers).
The tournament encourages us to abide by the N1 rule which demands at least one adjudicator per institution for skill exchange that our teachers may attain the skill.
An institution will be allowed a maximum of three (3) teams for competency. Participation is capped at 50 teams which will secure a place following the first come first serve rule.
This is an individual contest where each participant will represent their institution. Students have the option to express themselves in either English, Kiswahili, or French.” (in only this category)
An institution can send to a maximum of 10 individuals in this category. One participating in this category may still be able to participate in other categories as they will be held at different timing.Topics will be released by 25th July 2026 for prior preparations except impromptu motions that will be released 30 minutes before the round.
Participants in this intellectual category will be expected to attempt to answer questions correctly about a variety of subjects.
A team will have a minimum of three Speakers and a maximum of 2 reserves (extra speakers)
Participation is capped at 20 teams which will secure a place following the first come first serve rule.
The registration fees are capped at 119 US $ per delegate per activity.
There will be a 70% discount on an extra activity. For students that will participate in more than one activity. (E.g. If a participant (individual) is to register for both Debate and Public Speaking or Quiz Challenge and Poetry the registration fee will be 150 US $). Institutions are encouraged to bring teams for all activities but it’s mandatory that a school registers for at least one activity.
The cost will cater for;
a) Three meals per day for the duration of the tournament. (4 Days)
b) Accommodation at St. Jude Secondary School Arusha campus.
c) Transport and entrance Fee to Tarangire National Park on the excursion day.
d) Transport to and fro the East African Community Headquarters on the Grand finals.
e) Other Tournament running costs.
Secure your spot — fill in your details below.