UGANDA TRIUMPS AT THE 2025 AFRICA AMATEURS CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
Kampala, Uganda — 26th August 2025
Candidate Master Shoubith Omprakash (Kireka Chess Club) and Mirembe Merceline (Olemwa Sports Club) Golds push Uganda to domination at the Africa Amateurs Individual Chess Championship in Burundi
Uganda’s chess players have once again proven their dominance at the 2025 Africa Amateurs Individual Chess Championship held in Bujumbura, Burundi. Uganda’s team brought home 2 Golds, 2 Silvers, and 1 Bronze, solidifying the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in African chess. With remarkable performances from both seasoned players and rising stars, Uganda has shown the world its immense chess talent.
“This is a pleasant surprise and a welcome result. Despite fielding a much-depleted team, Uganda’s chess players have once again proven their ability to perform at the highest level on the continental stage. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Uganda, through the National Council of Sports, for their continued support. We also wish to thank the entire Uganda Chess Community, Media Personalities and our dedicated well-wishers for their unwavering encouragement and commitment to the growth of the sport.” … President Mwaka Emmanuel Uganda Chess Federation
Uganda’s Outstanding Medalists and Achievements
- WFM Sana Omprakash Kayyar – Silver Medalist in the U2300 Women’s Section
WFM Sana Omprakash Kayyar’s performance, with 6/9, earned her a Silver Medal and direct qualification for the 2026 World Amateurs Individual Chess Championship. As the defending champion in the U2300 Women’s Section, Sana’s consistency and fighting spirit were once again on full display.
- AFM Shoubhith Omprakash Kayyar – Gold Medalist in the U2000 Open Section
AFM Shoubhith Omprakash Kayyar clinched the Gold Medal with 6/9 and earned the prestigious title of Candidate Master (CM). His victory marks a significant milestone in his career and adds to Uganda’s growing chess legacy.
Kabanda Elvin Bogere – Bronze Medalist in the U2000 Open Section
Kabanda Elvin Bogere finished joint 2nd with 5.5/9, earning a Bronze Medal and reinforcing his position as one of Uganda’s rising chess talents. His performance was a key part of Uganda’s success at the tournament. He was also the defending champion of the U1700 section in the 2024 edition.
- Unrated Mirembe Merceline – Gold Medalist in the Women’s U1700 Section
Merceline’s impressive run, finishing with 8/9, earned her Gold and a trophy, as well as qualification for the 2026 World Amateurs Individual Chess Championship. Her victory underscores the rising talent from Uganda’s chess community. She plays for Olemwa Sports Club in the National Chess League.
Biyinzika Pauline – Silver Medalist in the Women’s U1700 Section
Biyinzika Pauline claimed second place in the U1700 Women’s Section with 6/9, showcasing her growth and potential in the competitive chess scene. She also plays for Olemwa Sports Club in the National Chess League.
Defending Champions and International Glory
WFM Sana Omprakash Kayyar, the defending champion in the U2300 Women’s Section, will now head to Serbia for the 2025 World Amateurs Individual Chess Championship, representing Uganda on the global stage once again.
FM Haruna Nsubuga, the Gold Medalist in the U2300 Open Section at the 2024 Amateurs, will also be participating in Serbia, continuing Uganda’s quest for international chess glory.
Host Country and International Competitors
Burundi, the host nation, delivered strong performances, with players like Ingabire Alain-Michel finishing joint second with 5.5/9 in the U2000 Open Section, showcasing the growing chess talent in Burundi.
South Africa’s AFM Rishworth Justin James claimed the U1700 Gold medal with 5.5/9, adding to the tournament’s diversity and high level of competition.
WFM Mongeli Sasha from Kenya, who secured 1st place in the U2300 Women Section and 3rd in U2300 Open Section, also qualifies for the 2026 FIDE World Amateurs Individual Chess Championship after her strong finish at the tournament and achieves Candidate Master Title
- Zulu Thomas from Zambia, who secured 1st place in the U2300 Open Section, also qualifies for the 2026 FIDE World Amateurs Individual Chess Championship after his strong finish at the tournament and achieves Candidate Master Title.
- WFM Mbatha Constance from Zambia, who secured 1st place in the U2000 Women Section, also qualifies for the 2026 FIDE World Amateurs Individual Chess Championship after his strong finish at the tournament.
Madol Garang Panthou Joh from South Sudan, who secured 2nd place in the U2300 Open Section, also qualifies for the 2026 FIDE World Amateurs Individual Chess Championship after his strong finish at the tournament and achieves CandidateMaster Title.
Full List of Uganda Medalists:
- WFM Sana Omprakash Kayyar – Silver U2300 Women’s Section
- AFM Shoubhith Omprakash Kayyar – Gold U2000 Open Section (Candidate Master)
- Kabanda Elvin Bogere – Bronze U2000 Open Section
- Unrated Mirembe Merceline – Gold U1700 Women’s Section
- Biyinzika Pauline – Silver U1700 Women’s Section
Other Uganda Participants:
- Allan Mbabani (Olemwa Sports Club) finished joint 2nd in the U2000 section with 5.5/9 and won cash prizes.
- Ssematimba John (Olemwa Sports Club) finished with 5/9.
- Alvin Byawaka Herbert (Olemwa Sports Club) finished with 4.5/9.
- Matovu Musa (Butikiro Chess Club) finished with 4.5/9.
Ugandans on Arbitration Team:
- UCF President Mwaka Emmanuel – FairPlay Expert
- IA IO AFM Kimera Innocent – Deputy Chief Arbiter
- FA Nakiirya Victoria – Sector Arbiter
Looking Ahead: World Amateurs Individual Chess Championship 2025
The defending champions from Uganda, including WFM Sana Omprakash Kayyar and FM Haruna Nsubuga, will head to Serbia for the 2025 World Amateurs Individual Chess Championship, where they will represent Uganda on the global stage. Uganda’s success at the 2025 Africa Amateurs Individual Chess Championship in Burundi is a precursor to what’s sure to be a thrilling international journey for these talented players.
Credit
Eng: Mwaka Emmanuel
President Uganda Chess Federation
