Ugandan junior chess stars shine at Wampewo Open

Uganda's young chess players are ramping up preparations for the upcoming Africa Youth Chess Championships by actively competing in local tournaments across the country.

Over the weekend, more than 100 players took part in the fifth edition of the Wampewo Open Chess Championship, held at Wampewo Secondary School in Wakiso District.

The tournament focused on junior players aged between eight and 18, who competed in six age categories: U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18.

Last year's Africa Individual Schools Chess Championship silver medallist, Daniel Odokonyero, dominated the junior category, winning all seven of his matches to finish with a perfect seven points. Treasure Muwanguzi and Mukisa Clark Trent followed in second and third place respectively, both finishing with six points.

In the women's category, Woman Candidate Master Juliet Asaba delivered an outstanding performance, winning all seven of her games to claim the title.

Asaba, who secured a silver medal at last year's Africa Youth Chess Championships in Zimbabwe, proved too strong for her opponents throughout the event.

Suzan Namukobe finished second with 5.5 points, while Africa Youth Chess Championship bronze medallist Suhana Anil Yadav placed third with five points.

The men's category produced the most closely contested battle of the tournament, with three players tied on six points. However, 13-year-old Ronald Wabwire emerged champion after edging his rivals on tie-breaks. KTLCA teammate Alvin Muhiirwa finished second, while higher-rated FIDE Master Haruna Nsubuga settled for third place.

The championship was attended by Uganda Chess Federation vice president Mande Allan Benjamin, who praised the impressive performances from the young players.

"Our youngsters continue to challenge and even outshine their seniors in competitions. Events like this provide the perfect platform for them as they prepare for the Africa Youth Chess Championships in May," Mande said.

Winners received laptops, speakers, medals, and cash prizes worth a total of four million shillings.

Tournament organiser Calvin Ntumwa, who also serves as the Chess in Schools coordinator at the Uganda Chess Federation, encouraged parents to keep enrolling their children in upcoming tournaments to help them remain competitive ahead of the continental championships.

Wampeewo Open Chess Championship

Ladies 

1.       Juliet Asaba           7

2.       Suzan Namukobe 5.5

3.       Suhana Anil Yadav 5

Men 

1.       Ronald Wabwire   6

2.       Alvin Muhirwa      6

3.       Nsubuga Haruna   6

Juniors 

1.       Daniel Odokonyero    7

2.       Treasure Muwanguzi 6

3.       Mukisa Clark Kent       6