UDSM Debate Society Shines at 2024 Huber Debates in the United States
By Jackson Isdory, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam Debate Society has once again placed Tanzania on the global intellectual map with a stellar performance at the 2024 Huber Debates, hosted by the University of Vermont (UVM) in the United States of America from 15th to 16th November, 2025.
In a highly competitive field featuring top-tier American universities, UDSM stood out as the only international competitor, reinforcing its growing reputation in global debating circles.
UDSM Vice Chancellor Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, commended the students for their exemplary performance and professionalism.
“This accomplishment reflects our institutional ambition to cultivate globally competitive graduates. The success of our debate society signals the University’s commitment to nurturing thought leaders capable of engaging constructively on the world stage”, he said.
Hosted annually by the Lawrence Debate Union (LDU), the Huber Debates honour the legacy of renowned UVM debate coach Dr Robert Huber and provide a premier platform for engaging with complex political, ethical and socio-economic issues.
In the two days, from 15 to 16 November 2025, UDSM debaters contested intensive rounds under British Parliamentary and related formats across Open, Novice and Rookie categories, debating motions on geopolitics, democratic practice, financial governance, global conflict, environmental strategy and education ethics, including whether the environmental movement should embrace the green growth theory.
These motions demanded rigorous research, sharp analytical thinking and persuasive communication, all of which the UDSM delegation demonstrated with distinction.
UDSM was represented by four students forming two teams: one comprising Esther Bassaya from Actuarial Sciences and Daniel Mnyani from Banking and Financial Services; and the other comprising third-year Actuarial Sciences student Oscar Malogo and third-year BA Statistics student, Careen Kiwele.
Over the course of the tournament, they faced more than 20 American universities, many with long-established global reputations in competitive debating. The championship concluded with a historic achievement for UDSM.
Team two, consisting of Oscar Malogo and Careen Kiwele, emerged as Overall Novice Champions, securing the Novice Championship Title and marking a significant milestone for both the University and Tanzania’s debating fraternity.
The team’s success was complemented by individual honours: Careen Kiwele was ranked Fourth Best Speaker in the Rookie Category, while Esther Bassaya was ranked Fourth Best Speaker in the Novice Category.
In accordance with Huber Debates tradition, the champions received locally sourced Vermont maple syrup, a distinctive symbol of the region and a cherished hallmark of the tournament.
Africa students excelling in global platforms
Reflecting on the victory, Oscar Malogo emphasised the depth of preparation behind the success. “This win is a product of consistent discipline and an unwavering belief that African students can excel on any global platform. Competing at the Huber Debates required us to stretch intellectually, think more strategically and adapt quickly. It was an honour to demonstrate what UDSM represents.”
For Careen Kiwele, the tournament proved transformative. “Standing out in a field dominated by top American universities was deeply humbling. The exposure reshaped how I approach research, argumentation and global discourse. I am grateful to UDSM and LDU for creating a pathway that allowed us to prove our potential”.
Her teammate, speaker award recipient Esther Bassaya, highlighted the developmental impact of the competition. “The level of engagement and the intellectual demands of the motions were intense, but they pushed us to grow.
She added the experience affirmed that debate was not only a competitive activity but also a platform for shaping informed leaders.
Echoing this, Daniel Mnyani underlined the team spirit that underpinned their success, noting that “our performance reflects a collective commitment to excellence. The camaraderie and shared focus within the UDSM delegation were central to our achievements.”
The delegation’s visit to the United States, which ran from 5 to 18 November, extended beyond the competition itself. The students participated in high-impact training sessions with experienced LDU coaches, workshops, practice debates and peer exchanges that further sharpened their skills.
Cultural immersion activities in New York and Vermont broadened their global outlook and enriched their experience, connecting academic rigour with international exposure. Participation in the championship was made possible through a co-sponsorship arrangement between the Lawrence Debate Union and the UDSM Debate Society.
This collaboration builds on an evolving partnership that was further reinforced earlier in the year when UDSM hosted the LDU at the Mlimani Open Debate Championship, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and coaching philosophies between the two institutions.
The UDSM Debate Society’s performance at the 2024 Huber Debates is more than a tournament victory; it is a national milestone that underscores Tanzania’s expanding presence in global academic discourse. It amplifies the capability of young African scholars to excel in high-level international platforms and positions UDSM as a rising force in global debate.
As the University continues to build strategic partnerships and invest in student development, this achievement stands as a proud institutional landmark and a compelling testament to the potential of Tanzanian youth to lead, influence and innovate across borders.