Uganda sends record 18 players to Africa Youth Chess Championships in Harare

The Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) has strengthened its contingent for the upcoming Africa Youth Chess Championships in Harare by adding two in-form junior stars, bringing the country’s delegation to an unprecedented 18 players.

Rising talents Daniel Odokonyero and Apollo Ahumuza are the latest inclusions, joining the previously confirmed 16-player squad. Odokonyero earned his place after an impressive silver-medal finish in the U14 category at the Africa Individual Schools Chess Championship held in Mombasa earlier this year.

Ahumuza, one of Uganda’s most consistent juniors in recent months, also received a well-deserved call-up. He was voted Best Junior in the 2025 National League and claimed gold in the same campaign. His superb form further includes a runner-up finish in the U1700 Open at the Zabasajja Memorial and victory in the same category at the Rwabushenyi Memorial Championship.

Their arrival completes the largest team Uganda has ever assembled for the continental event.

Juliet Asaba in action during Africa Schools Chess Championship

UCF has also confirmed Coach Patrick Mukasa as part of the travelling delegation. Mukasa will serve both as team official and guardian to the five KTLCA players included on the squad.

Among the notable names on the roster are National Junior Champion Sana Kayyar Omprakash (U18 girls), 2021 Africa Schools champion Edwin Pido (U18 open), U14 African champion Juliet Asaba, and U10 silver medalist Elvis Tumusiime. The team also features U12 bronze medalists Ronald Wabwire and Suhana Anil Yadav, alongside Dasha Zalwango and Shoubhith Omprakash Kayyar in the U16 category.

Other members include Sankara Oyang, Samora Atubo, Aaron Kagoda Mugisha, Garry Noah Bigisha, Sean Mulema Wavamunno, Ssengero Ernest Kiggundu, Anabel Mawerere Kirabo, and Psalm Nicole Tamale, competing across the U8 and U12 divisions.

Uganda will also have last year’s standout performer, eight-year-old Talia Gladys Atubet, returning to action after clinching a bronze medal in South Africa. She moves up to challenge in the U10 girls’ category.

Team leader and UCF General Secretary Eng. Patrick Ojok expressed confidence in the final squad composition. “This is one of the toughest youth competitions in Africa, so we made sure to send our strongest group,” he said. He also noted that many players will be making their international debuts and therefore face minimal pressure. “We want them to showcase their talent. They have already demonstrated maturity locally by defeating seasoned players.”

A total of 17 countries have confirmed participation in the 16th edition, which begins this Sunday in Harare. The tournament, played over nine rounds using the Swiss system, will offer opportunities for players to earn prestigious titles, including International Master (IM) and Woman International Master (WIM).