KASOZI JOVAN CROWNED CHAMPION AT 2024 NATIONAL JUNIOR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP.

The 2024 National Junior Chess Championships concluded in thrilling fashion at Nob View Hotel, Ntinda, , solidifying the tournament’s status as a premier event for Uganda’s young chess talent. Four days of intense competition from January 16th to 19th. The tournament brought together the 324 best young chess players in Uganda, battling for podium finishes and coveted qualification spots for international events..

Kasozi Jovan emerged victorious with an impressive 7/8 points. His journey to the top included a key victory over defending champion Mwase Mathew in the second-to-last round and a draw against Mwase Arthur in the final round. Mwase Arthur secured second place with 7/8 only separated by tibreak, demonstrating remarkable consistency with his third consecutive podium finish. Pido Edwin finished third still with 7/8 points, rounding out the top performers in the open category.

The national coach remarked on the promising state of junior chess in Uganda, singling out 10-year-old Wabwire for his great performance. Despite his young age, Wabwire lost only one game (to Mwase Arthur) and held Kasozi Jovan to a draw, signaling a bright future for the young talent.

In the girls’ section, WFM Sana Omprakash clinched the title, followed by defending champion Kawuma Patricia and Zuri Tatiina in second and third place, respectively. The competition highlighted the growing strength and depth of girls’ chess in the country.

Uganda Chess Federation Vice President, Otim Isaac, expressed admiration for the exceptional talent displayed at the National Juniors, expressing hope that the momentum continues to grow and the players reach even greater heights in the future.

The top six players in every age group (U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18) in both the open and girls’ categories qualified to represent Uganda in several prestigious international tournaments, including:

• 2025 African Youth Chess Championships
• FIDE World Cadet & Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships (April 2025, Rhodes, Greece)
• FIDE World Cadet Championships (August 2025, Orlando, USA)
• FIDE World Youth Chess Championships (September 2025, Albania)
• FIDE World U16 Olympiad

Additionally, players in younger age groups (U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, U17) earned spots in:

• African School Chess Championships
• FIDE World Schools Chess Championships (March 2025, Serbia)

Top three winners in the U20 category qualified as official players for the 2025 African Juniors Chess Championships and the 2025 FIDE World Junior Chess Championships.https://chess-results.com/tnr1096323.aspx?lan=1

The results of the tournament will also influence the Uganda Chess Federation’s selection for other continental and international competitions in 2025. With standout performances from established players like Kasozi Jovan and emerging stars like Wabwire, Uganda’s chess future looks brighter than ever.

This year’s National Junior Chess Championships showed Uganda’s dedication to nurturing young chess talent.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMB29SYYpdLOPabSEaz3CVfoTJNlitjtt4bJoYQu3Orr3k5iO-16OpUGJh8_RCUWg?key=YjhHbHpvLUNtZEUyR21OMmQxNGFscmtJUlZKMll3 (for more pictures)

Credit: Samuel Were

Photo Credit : Mukuye Ivan