Asaba strikes gold for Uganda at Africa Chess Championships

Resilience, patience, and consistency propelled Juliet Asaba to Uganda’s only gold medal at the Africa Individual Schools Chess Championships, which concluded on Wednesday in Mombasa, Kenya.

Competing in the U-13 girls’ category, the in-form Asaba stormed through eight consecutive victories before falling in her final match to fellow Ugandan Suhana Anil Yadav.

With an unbeaten record on the line, Asaba launched an aggressive attack against Suhana. However, a critical error allowed Suhana to seize control and dominate the rest of the game, eventually handing Asaba her only loss of the tournament.

Despite the win, Suhana finished third overall, earning a bronze medal in the U-13 girls’ category. Her mother, Shreedevi Yadav, was overcome with emotion as she watched her daughter defeat Asaba for only the third time in eight encounters.

“My heart started shaking when the game began because Asaba is such a strong opponent. But we kept praying, and I was so happy when Suhana managed to secure the bronze,” she said.

Asaba follows in the footsteps of Edwin Pido, who last claimed a gold medal for Uganda in the U-15 category during the 2021 edition held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Uganda’s medal tally also included two silvers: Daniel Odokonyero in the U-13 category after a win over Zambia’s Tumelo Lwenyeka, and Francis Tumusiime in the U-9 category. Bronze medals went to Alvin Muhiirwa (U-15) and Ronald Wabwire (U-11).

Uganda Chess Federation president Patrick Ojok, who also served as head of delegation, credited the team’s success to strong preparations and support from the National Council of Sports.

Kenya Chess Federation president Bernard Wanjala praised Uganda’s progress, noting significant improvement since the 2021 tournament.

Kenya topped the medal table with a total of 22 medals: 9 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze. Uganda finished second with 6 medals—1 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze—followed by South Africa and Namibia in third and fourth place, respectively.

Asaba and the other 11 champions from various categories will now go on to represent Africa at the World Chess Championships in Brazil next year.