When 18-year-old Karlton Ian Muyimba walked onto the stage at London’s Royal Institution, he carried more than a speech. He carried the hopes of a country watching one of its youngest voices challenge the world’s best public speakers.
By the time he stepped off the stage, the Senior Five student from King’s College Budo had rewritten Uganda’s history books.
Muyimba emerged as the third-best public speaker in the world at the 2026 International Public Speaking Competition in London, becoming the first African contestant to finish among the top three in the century-old global contest.
His bronze medal was not only a personal triumph but also a landmark moment for Uganda and the African continent, which had never before reached the competition’s podium.
Representing Uganda as the country’s only delegate, Muyimba battled through a highly competitive field featuring representatives from 66 countries before earning a place among the six finalists.
The grand final, held on July 17, 2026, at the Royal Institution in London, brought together some of the world’s most talented young speakers. Sri Lanka’s Omar Hazari took first place, while Romania’s Theodora Todoran finished second. Other finalists included Australia’s Olivia Wright, Bermuda’s Jordan Albert Williams, and Serbia’s Konstantin Svilokos.
For Muyimba, the moment represented years of preparation, discipline and a chance to tell Uganda’s story on the world stage.
“This year, I was blessed to be the only delegate representing Uganda… I was blessed to reach the finals representing my country Uganda and my continent Africa. In the finals, I won the medal for third place and was recognised as the third-best public speaker in the world,” said Muyimba.
The achievement marked a historic breakthrough for Africa in the competition, which has been running for decades under the English-Speaking Union.
“From 1918 up to 2026, no African nation has ever made it to the top three positions… I was happy to hold the flag for Uganda so high and tell the story of the Pearl of Africa,” he added.
The International Public Speaking Competition attracted national champions from 45 countries and regions, selected from a global pool of more than 100,000 participants.
This year’s competition carried the theme “Lighting One Candle,” challenging contestants to demonstrate not only powerful delivery but also originality, critical thinking and the ability to connect with audiences.
Beyond the competition stage, finalists participated in workshops and cultural activities in London, creating an international exchange of ideas among young leaders from different backgrounds.
Muyimba’s achievement has drawn praise from his school, King’s College Budo, where he is a Senior Five student in Nigeria House.
“His outstanding achievement earned him a place on the championship podium, making him the first African ever to win a medal at the prestigious competition, a groundbreaking milestone that will inspire generations of young speakers across the continent,” said King’s College Budo.
The school described his success as a reflection of determination, talent and the values of leadership and academic excellence cultivated at the institution.
“Karlton’s success is a testament to his dedication, talent, and resilience. It also reflects the tradition of academic excellence, leadership, and holistic education nurtured at King’s College, Budo. By flying Uganda’s flag with distinction and raising the King’s College, Budo banner on the world stage, he has brought immense pride to his school and nation,” the school further noted.
The school added: “His historic accomplishment will be remembered as a defining moment in Uganda’s participation in international public speaking, proving that with determination and excellence, young Ugandans can compete and triumph among the very best in the world.”
For Uganda, Muyimba’s journey represents more than a medal. It is the story of a young student who transformed a global stage into a platform for national pride, proving that Africa’s next generation of voices can command attention anywhere in the world.
