By William Muwonge

THE long wait for a maiden New Vision national chess title finally ended on Sunday for Stephen Kawuma.

Kawuma, 23, won Uganda’s toughest and most lucrative chess event after nine years of trying. His best finish before was third overall in 2001 and 1998.

Kawuma grabbed the one major title lacking in his collection by winning seven games and drawing one. He edged out elder brother Moses Kawuma in a key eighth-round game.

“It is a great feeling to win, I have waited for this moment for long,” Kawuma said.

The former Olympian walked away with sh0.77m after the sh5m four-day event at Ramgarhia Sikh Sports Club.

Kawuma’s young brother Meddie,13, grabbed the U-15 boy’s title.

Juliet Nakandi retained the women’s crown while Kathy Kenyange took the U-15 girl’s award.

Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) patron, IGG Jotham Tumwesigye crowned the top performers.

Men’s winners since 1994

2004-S. Kawuma
2003-H. Mulambe
2002-H. Andolo
2001-B. Bibasa
2000-I. Munanira
1999-G. Nsubuga
1998-B. Bibasa
1997-G. Makumbi
1996-E. Kabuye
1995-N. Lauritsen
1994-N. Lauritsen

Ends