Uganda Shines Bright at 2025 African Schools Chess Championship in Mombasa
Uganda’s young chess stars proudly flew the national flag high at the 2025 African Schools Individual Chess Championship, held from May 22–29 at the Pride Inn Paradise Resort in Mombasa, Kenya. Competing against Africa’s best, Team Uganda secured an impressive six medals, finishing 2nd overall behind host nation Kenya in the federation rankings.
🏆 Federation Medal Rankings
| Rank | Country | 🥇 Gold | 🥈 Silver | 🥉 Bronze | 🏅 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Kenya 🇰🇪 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 22 |
| 2nd | Uganda 🇺🇬 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| 3rd | South Africa 🇿🇦 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 4th | Namibia 🇳🇦 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 5th | Zambia 🇿🇲 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 6th | Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 6th | Botswana 🇧🇼 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
🥇 Gold Medalist
In the U13 Girls Asaba Juliet (Won gold with 8/9pts)
The KTLC prodigy and reigning Uganda Open Ladies Champion, Asaba Juliet, dazzled the continent with her flawless performance. Scoring 8/9, she earned Uganda’s only gold medal in the championship. Her result qualifies her for the Conditional Woman FIDE Master (WFM) title upon reaching a 1900 Elo rating.
🥈 Silver Medalists
U09 Open – Tumusiime Francis (8 Points)
An exceptional showing from young Tumusiime Francis, who walked away with silver and is now eligible for the Conditional Candidate Master (CM) title upon reaching 2000 Elo.
U13 Open – Odokonyero Daniel (8 Points)
Daniel proved a force to reckon with, holding his own among strong opponents to claim silver. His performance qualifies him for the Conditional FIDE Master (FM) title upon reaching 2100 Elo.
🥉 Bronze Medalists
U11 Open – Wabwire Ronald (7.5 Points)
The pre-tournament favorite in his section, Ronald Wabwire, had an unbeaten run, earning bronze. He is eligible for Conditional Candidate Master (CM) upon attaining a 2000 Elo rating.
U15 Open – Muhirwa Alvin (7 Points)
A tough fighter throughout the event, Alvin showed great form to earn a podium finish. His achievement makes him eligible for Conditional Candidate Master (CM) status.
U13 Girls – Suhana Anil Yadav (7 Points)
After strong performances, including a win over gold medalist Asaba, Suhana secured the bronze medal and qualifies for the Conditional Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title upon reaching 1800 Elo.
🧠 Newly Attained Conditional FIDE Titles – Team Uganda 🇺🇬
| Player | Category | Points | Medal | Title Upon Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asaba Juliet | U13 Girls | 8 | 🥇 Gold | WFM @ 1900 Elo |
| Tumusiime Francis | U9 Open | 8 | 🥈 Silver | CM @ 2000 Elo |
| Odokonyero Daniel | U13 Open | 8 | 🥈 Silver | FM @ 2100 Elo |
| Wabwire Ronald | U11 Open | 7.5 | 🥉 Bronze | CM @ 2000 Elo |
| Muhirwa Alvin | U15 Open | 7 | 🥉 Bronze | CM @ 2000 Elo |
| Suhana Anil Yadav | U13 Girls | 7 | 🥉 Bronze | WCM @ 1800 Elo |
♟️ Team Uganda: Full Medal Summary
- 🥇 1 Gold – Asaba Juliet (U13 Girls)
- 🥈 2 Silver – Tumusiime Francis (U9 Open), Daniel Odokonyero (U13 Open)
- 🥉 3 Bronze – Ronald Wabwire (U11 Open), Muhirwa Alvin (U15 Open), Suhana Anil Yadav (U13 Girls)
🎥 Watch the Action
Relive Uganda’s finest moments at the official Lichess broadcast:
👉 2025 African Schools Chess Championship – Lichess Broadcast
Below are some of the games
🎉 Congratulations to All Participants!
From Uganda to the entire continent, heartfelt congratulations to every player, coach, and federation that contributed to the success of this championship. The future of African chess is truly in safe hands. See you at the next championship!
🇺🇬 Team Uganda – Rising to the Top!
https://www.youtube.com/live/EmJOPn2tLd0?si=AMjcTBbHnjbEHy-D (full video of the closing ceremony)
Credit Samuel Were
Photo Credit : Chess Kenya
