FM Bob Bibasa clinches Zabasajja Memorial Chess Championship

FIDE Master Bob Bibasa returned to winning ways after clinching the prestigious Zabasajja Memorial Chess Championship on Sunday.

Bibasa tied with Innocent Tamale at 6.5 points apiece after eight rounds but edged his rival on a Buchholz tie-break, securing his first major title since 2016.

The four-day tournament, which began on Thursday, drew over 100 participants, including international players from South Sudan and Comoros, underscoring its growing regional appeal.

In the ladies’ category, National Junior Champion Sana Kayyar Omprakash emerged victorious after defeating favourite Suhana Anil Yadav in a tense finale. Despite a strong start, Suhana once again struggled with time management—a recurring issue that had earlier cost her a match against Juliet Asaba.

Anabel Kirabo and Trevor Tumukunde were crowned best juniors in the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively, highlighting the depth of emerging talent in Ugandan chess.

The annual championship honours William Zabasajja, Uganda’s first FIDE Master and Olympian of the 1980s and 1990s, who passed away in 2006. National coach Harold Wanyama praised Zabasajja’s legacy, describing him as “solid, disciplined, and an inspiration,” while Uganda Chess Federation president Emanuel Mwaka lauded his tactical and positional brilliance.

Beyond celebrating Zabasajja’s memory, the event also served as vital preparation for Uganda’s representatives heading to the Africa Youth Chess Championships next month in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Selected Winners

Open Section

1. Bob Bibasa 6.5 points

2. Innocent Tamale 6.5

3. Gong Thon Gong 6

Ladies Section

1. sana Omprakash Kayyar 7.5 points

2. Amoko Ivy Claire 6

3. Asaba Juliet 5.5

Best Junior (Girls)

Anabel Kirabo

Best Junior (Boys)

Trevor Tumukunde

Winners walked away with certificates, medals, trophies, and cash prizes, capping off a tournament that blended competition, commemoration, and development of the game.