Gayaza Junior School crowned 2025 Dove Junior Chess champions

Gayaza Junior School’s chess team delivered a commanding performance to clinch the 2025 Dove Junior Championship title, amassing an impressive 102 points in a competition that drew 168 participants.

Led by standout players Zoe Nyonyozi Kiconco (5 points), Siwoza Myra (4 points), Nakakembo Christine Precious (3.5 points), Nassejje Grace (3.5 points), and Olive Tusiime (3.5 points), Gayaza’s squad proved too strong for the rest of the field.

Naalya SS Namugongo secured second place with 60 points, while St. Catherine finished third with 38, and Trust High Iganga wrapped up the top four with 13 points.

KTLCA coach, Patrick Mukasa and an officoal from Dove Junior Chess pose with player Ronald Wabrire who finishes second in the boys. Courtesy photo

“It was a good show by the juniors. I thank Dove Chess Academy for organizing the event, which is the foundation for building a powerful nation in the future,” said Christine Namaganda, one of the event organizers.

In the individual category, Kamwokya Teens Chess Academy (KTLCA) dominated, producing the top three boys and top two girls.

KTLCA founder and manager, Patrick Mukasa, urged the public to support young chess talent by sponsoring 10 selected players and their coach to compete in the African Youth Chess Championship, set for August 19–26 in Burundi.

“We are looking for at least sh10m for the Burundi event. We have the best young talent in chess in the country but we lack a sponsor to promote their talent,” Mukasa told The New Vision.

He noted that after the juniors missed out on representing Uganda at the World Schools Championship in Washington, USA last month, the Burundi trip would offer them a valuable chance to compete on an international stage.