Uganda's Ian Karlton Muyimba Makes History With Bronze at Global English Speaking Championship

[Archival Sense]

Uganda's Ian Karlton Muyimba has made history after becoming the first African to finish among the top three at the 2026 International Public Speaking Competition in London.

The 18 year old won the bronze medal during the grand final held at the Royal Institution on July 17, finishing behind Omar Hazari of Sri Lanka, who claimed the title, and Theodora Todoran of Romania, who came second. Finalists from Australia, Bermuda and Serbia also competed for the prestigious award.

Speaking upon his return to Uganda through Entebbe International Airport, Muyimba described the achievement as a proud moment not only for Uganda but for the entire African continent.

"This year, I was blessed to be the only delegate representing Uganda, where every English-speaking country sends one delegate," he said.

The 2026 International Public Speaking Competition attracted national champions from 45 countries and regions, selected from a global pool of more than 100,000 participants who competed in preliminary contests. Contestants delivered speeches inspired by the theme "Lighting One Candle," based on a haiku by renowned Japanese poet Yosa Buson.

Participants were assessed on public speaking skills, originality, critical thinking and delivery by an international panel of judges. They also took part in communication workshops and cultural exchanges across London, including visits to Tate Modern and London County Hall.

For Muyimba, the bronze medal represents more than personal success. It marks a historic breakthrough for Africa in a competition that traces its roots back decades.

"From 1918 up to 2026, no African nation has ever made it to the top three positions," he said. "I was happy to hold the flag for Uganda so high and tell the story of the Pearl of Africa."

Founded in 1918, the English Speaking Union established the International Public Speaking Competition in 1968 to promote communication, dialogue and mutual understanding among young people from different cultures. Today, it is regarded as one of the world's most prestigious public speaking competitions.

Reflecting on his achievement, Muyimba said he hopes his success will inspire more young Ugandans and Africans to compete on the global stage.

"I believe that I've held the pen and I've been given the paper, and I've written the first sentence about the next story of my country. That sentence began in London."