CHESS UNIVERSITY COMPETITIONS KICK OFF AT THE 20TH AUUS GAMES 2025 AT Uganda Christian University Mukono
Uganda Christian University (UCU), in partnership with the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS), has officially launched the 20th edition of the AUUS Games, setting the pace for what is anticipated to be the largest and most inclusive university sports event in Uganda’s history. The official launch took place at UCU Main Campus, Mukono, bringing together AUUS leadership and university administrators ahead of the games scheduled for 18–23 December 2025. This milestone edition is historically significant, as UCU becomes the first university in Uganda to host the AUUS Games four times, having previously hosted in 2007, 2013, and 2023.
Officially launching the games, AUUS President George Wagoogo praised UCU’s unwavering dedication to university sports and youth development.
“UCU stands tall as the first institution to host these games four times. This is an outstanding record and a testament to their commitment to sports excellence,” he said.
President Wagoogo announced that the 2025 AUUS Games will feature at least 30 universities competing in 19 sports disciplines, up from the traditional 17. For the first time, sports for persons with disabilities will be included, with Goalball for the visually impaired and Bridge making their debut.
The theme for this year’s games, “University Sports: Igniting a Healthier Campus Life,” reflects AUUS’s commitment to holistic student development through sports.
The 20th AUUS Games UCU 2025 Chess Championship Open and Ladies is organized by the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) under the Uganda Chess Federation (UGA), directed by Okas Walter, officiated by Chief Arbiter FA Nakiirya Victoria with IA Kimera Innocent as Deputy Chief Arbiter and FA NA Ahereza Joan alongside NA Gonza Simon as arbiters, and is being held at Uganda Christian University, Mukono, as a seven-round team round-robin event played under FIDE-rated classical time control of 1 hour plus 30 minutes with a 30-second increment from move one.
Day One Results and Highlights
Day One of the 20th AUUS Games UCU 2025 Chess Championship produced exciting and competitive encounters across both categories. In the Ladies Category, Mbarara University of Science and Technology delivered one of the standout performances by holding top seeds Kampala University to a draw, signaling their intent early in the championship. Makerere University registered a dominant 4–0 victory over Gulu University, while hosts Uganda Christian University (UCU) shared the points in a tightly contested 2–2 draw with Kyambogo University. Kampala International University (KIU) continued their strong form with a convincing 3–1 win against MUBS, as Mbarara University of Science and Technology later edged Mountains of the Moon University by 2.5–1.5 in another closely fought match.
In the Open Category, Kampala University made a powerful statement with a commanding 4–0 win over Muni University. Hosts Uganda Christian University fought to a draw against Gulu University, earning valuable points on home ground. Kampala International University maintained their momentum with a solid 3–1 victory over Lira University, while Makerere University outplayed Kyambogo University to secure a 3–1 win. The encounter between Soroti University and Mountains of the Moon University ended evenly at 2–2, reflecting the competitive balance in the open section.
Despite an early draw in the ladies category, Kampala International University emerged as the overall leaders in both the Open and Ladies categories at the end of Day One, based on cumulative game points, setting the pace as the championship progresses.
he championship has also gained international visibility through live online broadcasting. Games are being streamed via Lichess, allowing chess enthusiasts worldwide to follow the action in real time:
👉 Live broadcast:
https://lichess.org/broadcast/20th-auus-games-ucu-2025-chess-championship-ladies/round-3/T9KJZt8X
Uganda Chess Federation commends AUUS and UCU for providing a strong platform that continues to nurture competitive chess at university level while exposing players to international standards.
Credit Samuel Were
Photo Credit Uganda Christian University and G.S Okas Walter
