FR. GRIMES 2024 NATIONAL SCHOOLS CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP KICKS OFF AT SMACON IN NAMAGOMA, UGANDA WITH A RECORD 161 SCHOOL TEAMS!!

The highly anticipated 2024 National Schools Chess Championship commenced yesterday at St. Marks College Namagoma (SMACON) in Wakiso Uganda. This prestigious event features over 160 school teams from all regions of Uganda, attracting over 1000 participants from primary and secondary schools.

The vast chess assemblage attending the tournament serves as a testament to the remarkable surge of chess in Uganda, firmly establishing it as one of the most prominent sports within primary, secondary, and university institutions. Chess, by its inherent essence, stands as the very foundation of all sports, and it is now progressively evolving into an indispensable component of Ugandan sports culture. You can now say that chess is not only the corner stone of sports but also increasingly becoming the salt of sports. This wave of chess enthusiasts has also sparked a business boom in the quaint town of Namagoma, with hotels, motels, restaurants, and eateries will continuously witness heightened business activity in between 5th to 9th May 2024.

The event began with arrival of participants on the 5th May 2024, then on the 6th May 2026 an opening ceremony
began with welcoming speeches from the Headmaster of SMACON, Mr. Wabwire Ronald, and beautiful
encouraging remarks from the School Director, Mr. Damulira Daniel, and Updates from UCF officials. A technical
meeting was held then a traditional opening move in the Secondary Ladies category was made by UCF President
Eng. Mwaka Emmanuel, while Mr. Wabwire made the opening move in the Secondary Open category to declare
the games open.

The vast chess assemblage attending the tournament serves as a testament to the remarkable surge of chess in
Uganda, firmly establishing it as one of the most prominent sports within primary, secondary, and university
institutions. Chess, by its inherent essence, stands as the very foundation of all sports, and it is now progressively
evolving into an indispensable component of Ugandan sports culture. You can now say that chess is not only the
corner stone of sports but also increasingly becoming the salt of sports. This wave of chess enthusiasts has sparked
a business boom in the quaint town of Namagoma, with hotels, motels, restaurants, and eateries continuously
witnessing heightened business activity in between 5th to 9th May 2024.
The competing teams have been divided into four categories: Primary Girls, Primary Open, Secondary Girls, and
Secondary Open. Collaborative efforts and partnerships with the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS),
Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association (UPSSA), and Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA)
will further promote chess in educational institutions.
This championship is named after the pioneer sponsor, Fr. Damien Grimes, the former head teacher of Namasagali
College. Notable comebacks include; Namasagali College after a 15-year absence, as well as Mt. St Mary’s
Namagunga Girls Schools and Gayaza High School. Additionally, schools such as Wanyange Girls, Holistic Junior
School, Ngora High School from Soroti, The Amazima School from Jinja, Kibuli Secondary School, and Credo Nursery
and Primary School from Gulu are making their debut in the tournament.

The competition will showcase defending champions Kiira College Butiki in the open category, facing formidable
opponents like Jinja College, Busoga College Mwiri, St. Henry’s College Kitovu, Ntare School, Kings College Buddo,
and last year’s event host, St. Mary’s College Kisubi.
Although some notable Schools like Aga Khan Schools, Seeta schools, St Lawrence schools, St Marys College Kitende
Gulu High School, Lango College, St. Marcelino, and Mbale High School etc. are absent, the number of school teams
has risen from 134 last year to 161 representatives from various primary and secondary schools from all regions of
Uganda who have converged to participate in the championship.
Since its inception in the 1980s, the championship has played a pivotal role in fostering a strong chess culture in
Uganda, and this year’s edition proudly boasts 100% coverage of all regions, including the northern, eastern,
western, and central regions of the country.

Notable participants include Trinity College Nabbingo, Gombe High School, Mary Hill High School, Peak Primary
School, Watoto Schools, Sir Apollo Kagwa Schools, and Kamwokya Schools, Mbarara High School, all of whom
continue to make a lasting impression.

Despite logistical challenges, the Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) is actively working on providing Logistics for
teams from remote areas in the next edition to encourage wider participation. Excitingly, first-time participants
like Kibuli SS, Holistic School from Mitooma, Ngora High School, and the hosts, SMACON, are already having a
remarkable experience.

Team’s arrivals were on the 5th, and on the 6th, the opening ceremony and three rounds were played. Three more
rounds will be played on the 7th, three rounds on the 8th, and a closing ceremony. All teams will depart on March
9th, 2024. For all results and updates, please visit the link below.
https://chess-results.com/tnr935514.aspx?lan=1
The 2024 National Schools Chess Championship promises thrilling matches, fierce competition, and the celebration
of chess as a sport that unites and challenges young minds across Uganda.
The Writer is
UCF President: Eng. Mwaka Emmanuel
WhatsApp: +256782083657