Ssegwanyi and Omprakash triumph at Kantinti Memorial Chess Open

International Master Arthur Ssegwanyi and Women Fide Master Sana Omprakash emerged victorious at the second edition of the Kantinti Memorial Chess Open, scoring 5.5 and 6.0 points respectively in a fiercely contested two-day tournament.

Held over the weekend at Nob View Hotel in Ntinda, the six-round competition honored the late Shadrack Kantinti, Uganda’s six-time Chess Olympiad representative who passed away in 2019.

The event also served as a qualifier for Uganda’s national chess team, with the winners strengthening their chances to represent the country in upcoming international competitions.

WFM Sana Omprakash during her games in the 2025 Kantinti Mamorial Open that she won. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Ssegwanyi, who last claimed victory at December’s Rwabushenyi Memorial, described the tournament as a tough battle, dropping only half a point throughout. "The young players posed stiff competition, so I’m pleased with this win," he said. His triumph earned him a gold medal, trophy, and UGX 1 million, while Harold Kawuma (5.0 points) secured UGX 700,000 after a tiebreak against South Sudan’s Madol Garang (UGX 500,000).

Meanwhile, reigning continental U16 champion Sana Omprakash dominated the women’s category with a perfect score, taking home UGX 700,000. Among the juniors, Alvin Muhirwa and Heiley Nio stood out in the open section with 4 points each.

In the age-group events, Malcolm Nabeeta of Kisubi High School swept all eight rounds in the U18 boys’ category, marking his first major chess victory. "I aim to become an Olympiad," said Nabeeta, who also participates in athletics, football, and volleyball. Agnes Nakamatte of Ebenezer Christian High School led the U18 girls with 5.5 points, expressing her ambition to inspire future chess players.

Uganda Chess Federation president Emmanuel Mwaka commended parents and government support for the event, emphasizing its role in national team selection. Uganda’s chess calendar now shifts focus to May’s Continental Individual Championships in Egypt, alongside the Uganda Open and Fr. Grimes National Schools’ Championship.

Top 3 men

1. IM Arthur Ssegwanyi 5.5 Points

2. Patrick Kawuma 5.0

3. Madol Garang 5.0

Women:

1. Sana Omprakash 6.0

2. Peninah Nakabo 4.5

3. Joan Ahereza 4.5

Juniors Category Winners:

Boys-Malcom Nabeeta 8.0

Girls-Agness Nakamatte 5.5

U-16 Shiffah Murungi 4

U-14 Dobhal Pradyot 5.0

U- 12 Alpha Muwanguzi 6.0

U-10 Christian Jeyden 5.0

U-12 Melisa Edinansi 5.0

Rank winners men:

U1900 – Kur Akut Deng 4.0 Points

U1800 -Innocent Baguma 4.0

U1700 – Daniel Odokonyero

Rank Winners Women:

U1900-WCM Shakira Ampaire 3.5

U1800- Hannah Zion Mawejje 4.0

U1500 – Talia Atubet 3.0

Winner 50 yrs+-George Ssenyomo 3.5

Differently Abled – Sharif Mbaziira 2.5