When Action for Development (ACFODE) made 25 years in 2010, it was decided that the involvement of young people in the promotion of gender equality was going to be crucial for the gains to be sustainable. In this respect, "Embracing the Youth and Looking Ahead" was unveiled as a new theme for the organisation’s work. Further more, debates were identified as one of the platforms through which ACFODE would involve young people in promoting the women’s agenda. The debates are aimed at sharpening student’s reading and research skills and also to mentor them into eloquent, articulate and fast thinking, individuals. By this, a debate culture with a focus on gender issues would be established in Uganda’s institutions of higher learning. In addition, the debates are also aimed at creating an understanding and appreciation among the students about the progress of the women’s movement in Uganda and the role the youth can play in shaping its future. “It is an opportunity for them to research into these issues and debate them, by this they learn even more,” explained Ms. Regina Bafaki, ACFODE’s Executive Director.

Following a highly successful national debate held in 2010, ACFODE set out to hold a series of regional debates in 2011. The tournament in Soroti was the first of the regional series. The event was graced by presence of the Soroti District Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Eswilu Donath, as well as representatives from the district council and the community development office. Also present were KAS Programme Officer, Yusuf Kiranda , ACFODE’s Executive Director – Ms. Regina Bafaki together with Ms. Helen Twongirwe from the Board. Several representatives of CSOs in Soroti also attended the debate.

After going through several rounds, the East Africa Civil Aviation Academy, also commonly known as Soroti Flying School won the final debate against IUIU which ranked second.