DAY TWO: A GRAND OPENING, GLOBAL REACH, AND A BATTLE OF BRAINS — FATHER GRIMES NATIONAL SCHOOLS CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2025
The sun rose on Day 2 of the Father Grimes National Schools Chess Championship 2025 with the official grand opening ceremony, a tribute to a man whose vision continues to shape the future of Uganda’s chess .
The Director and Headmistress of Our Lady of Africa Namilyango extended a warm welcome to all the participating institutions, officially launching what is now one of Uganda’s most prestigious school sports events.
The ceremony was graced by the President of the Uganda Chess Federation, who delivered a moving tribute to Rev. Father Damien Grimes (1931–2024), applauding his foresight in using chess as a tool to unlock critical thinking, discipline, and national unity. He reminded the young players that Father Grimes laid the very foundation of this championship — one that continues to elevate Uganda’s youth both locally and globally.
This year’s edition has shattered records with a total of 226 teams and a combined 1,082 participants. The breakdown is as follows:
- Secondary Open: 100 teams | 486 players
- Secondary Girls: 55 teams | 264 players
- Primary Open: 46 teams | 213 players
- Primary Girls: 25 teams | 118 players
From every corner of Uganda, the best minds have come together to test their strategic mettle in what is shaping up to be a historic competition.
After three tense and high-level rounds, St. Mary’s College Kisubi has taken an early lead in the Secondary Open category, closely followed by St. Henry’s College Kitovu (Masaka) and Malcom X SS.
In the Secondary Girls division, Wampewo Ntakke holds the top spot, with Gayaza High School and Mount of Olives College Kakiri not far behind — all tied on match points and separated only by team point tiebreaks, highlighting just how intense the competition is.
At the Primary level, Peak Primary School leads the Open category, ahead of Mastered Seed Primary School. Meanwhile, in the Primary Girls category, Kids Pioneer Primary School has taken the lead, followed by Peak Primary School and Holistic Junior School Mitooma
.
For the first time in history, the tournament has gone global. Games are being broadcast live across the world, offering parents, schools, and chess enthusiasts a front-row seat to Uganda’s chess future.
- Lichess Broadcast: Watch Live
- Live Chess Cloud: View Here
To ensure fair play and address any disputes, a robust appeals committee was formed, comprising:
- Mugabi Isaac – Uganda Martyrs Namugongo
- Ssentongo Brian – Sir Apollo Kaggwa
- Bisikwa Linda – Our Lady of Africa Namilyango
- Oyera Christine – Gulu
- Sserwand Wyclif – St. Cyprian
For those who missed this championship — whether as players, educators, or spectators — the loss is far more than just a game.
Chess nurtures life-changing skills:
- Critical thinking
- Strategic planning
- Concentration and focus
- Emotional discipline under pressure
- Decision-making in real time
More importantly, these tournaments offer exposure, national and international networking, and in many cases, scholarship and career opportunities. It is where talent is identified, leaders are made, and dreams take shape.
Credit Uganda Chess Federation
Samuel Were
