Uganda names 17-player squad for Africa Youth Chess Championships

The Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) has unveiled a 17-player squad to represent the country at the 2025 Africa Youth Chess Championships, scheduled for early December in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The team, comprising 10 boys and 7 girls, blends seasoned medalists with promising young talent. Leading the contingent is National Junior Champion Sana Kayyar Omprakash, who will compete in the U-18 girls’ category.

Sana recently made history by securing a silver medal at the African Junior (U-20) Championship in Cape Verde—Uganda’s best-ever finish at that level.

Joining her is Edwin Pido, the 2021 Africa Schools Chess Champion, who will feature in the U-18 open section. Other standout players include Juliet Asaba (U-14 gold medalist), Elvis Tumusiime (U-10 silver medalist), Ronald Wabwire (U-12 bronze), and Suhana Anil Yadav (U-12), all of whom are expected to boost Uganda’s medal prospects.

The full squad also features Dasha Zalwango and Shoubhith Omprakash Kayyar (both U-16), Sankara Oyang (U-12), Samora Atubo (U-14), Aaron Kagoda Mugisha, Garry Noah Bigisha, Sean Mulema Wavamunno, Ssengero Ernest Kiggundu, Anabel Mawerere Kirabo, and Psalm Nicole Tamale, competing across the U-8 and U-12 age brackets.

Returning bronze medalist Talia Gladys Atubet (U-10), who earned the Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) title following her stellar performance in South Africa last year, is aiming for a higher podium finish. “The competition was tough last year, but I’m ready to win big this time,” she said confidently.

The team will be led by UCF General Secretary Eng. Patrick Ojok. Federation President Emanuel Mwaka expressed strong optimism about Uganda’s chances, stating, “These youngsters have shown consistency and courage. Their resilience and style make them capable of stunning even Africa’s strongest nations.”

Mwaka added that the Harare championship could mark a turning point for Uganda on the continental stage: “This group represents a new era of belief—Uganda is ready to make its mark in African chess.”

Uganda will compete against 16 other nations, including South Africa, Kenya, Algeria, Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, Namibia, Egypt, Madagascar, Nigeria, Ghana, and hosts Zimbabwe.

The annual event will be played in a nine-round Swiss system format, with top performers earning international titles such as International Master (IM) and Woman International Master (WIM), as well as qualification for the 2026 World Youth Chess Championships in Montesilvano, Italy.