DAY 3 HIGHLIGHTS: AFRICAN INDIVIDUAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2025 – Team Uganda Making Its Mark

African Individual Chess Championship 2025 enters its third day, Team Uganda continues to hold its ground against some of the continent’s strongest players. With nine rounds scheduled in total, players are now a third of the way through, and every point counts in the race for top honors and potential title norms.

Representing Uganda in the Open Section, FIDE Master (FM) Nsubuga Haruna is making his first appearance at the African Individual Chess Championship. Despite facing seasoned opponents, Haruna is showing resilience and promise:

• Round 1: Haruna started strong with a win against Candidate Master (CM) Zebaze Dongmo Loic Dylane of Cameroon, playing the white pieces.
• Round 2: He drew with FM Ahmed Kandil of Egypt in a tightly contested battle.

• Round 3: Haruna suffered a setback, losing to FM Shereif Ashraf, another tough Egyptian opponent, with the black pieces.

With 1.5 points out of 3, Haruna remains well within reach of the leaders and still has six rounds to make a significant impact. This championship could be a stepping stone for him toward achieving International Master (IM) or even Grandmaster (GM) title.

Uganda’s top female player, Shakira Amapiire, is participating in the African Individual Championship for the third time, bringing experience and determination to the Women’s Section.

• Round 1: Faced with a tough pairing, she lost to Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Shrook Wafa of Egypt, a multiple-time African champion, with the black pieces.
• Round 2: Amapiire again fell short against Sarah El Barbry of Morocco, a strong and fast-rising player.
• Round 3: She bounced back impressively with a win over Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Magne Kouokam Sylviane from Cameroon.

Now holding 1 point out of 3, Shakira remains focused and eager to turn things around in the upcoming rounds.

Credit Samuel Were (Uganda Chess Federation)

Photo Credit Egyptian Chess Federation