MWASE MATHEW TRIUMPHS, EQUALS A RECORD IN THE NATIONAL JUNIORS CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2024

The recently concluded National Juniors Open Chess Championship in Uganda witnessed a remarkable triumph by 16-year-old prodigy Mwase Mathew, who emerged victorious with a perfect score of 8 out of 8. In the final round, Mathew defeated the defending champion 2022-2023, Ajiri Benjamin Netanyahu, equalizing the longstanding record set by FM: Okas Walter for 19 years (8/8).

Under the guidance of his Coach, FM: Wanyama Harold, Mathew’s journey into the world of chess began at the age of 8. His early success was highlighted by a gold medal at the African Youth zonal, where he achieved a flawless score of 7 out of 7, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the game.

In the ladies’ category, Kawuma Patricia, under the SOM Chess Academy, claimed victory by defeating the defending champion Sana. Patricia’s impressive score of 7 out of 8 secured her the first position, with Mary Kevin and Sana Omprakash Kayyar securing second and third places, respectively.

The tournament, spanning four intense days, not only showcased Mathew’s dominance but also revealed promising talents in the junior category. In the open section, Mwase Arthur and Pido Edwin secured second and third positions, respectively. The event also served as a qualifier for the 2024 Africa Youth Chess Championships and the 2024 FIDE World Youth Chess Championships, where the top five winners in each age group earned the opportunity to represent Uganda.

“^{_{At the moment the talent pool is very large for the U18s. And with the advent of online courses material is in plenty. My advice to the younger ones is to work hard and create some sort of schedule in their training with less dependency on the coaches. An upcoming that has self-drive and passion will go far}}“

^{_{Fide Master: Wanyama Harold (National Coach)}}

The top-performing juniors in each age group (U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18) in both the open and girls’ categories earned the privilege of representing Uganda at the prestigious 2024 Africa Youth Chess Championships and the 2024 FIDE World Youth Chess Championships. Notably, seven overall winners in each age group qualified as official players for the event.

The Uganda Chess Federation expressed satisfaction with the successful organization of the National
Juniors 2024 event, marking a positive start to the year. In a bid to elevate chess standards in Uganda,
the federation emphasized the importance of upholding discipline within the chess community. The
recommended guidelines included fair play during games, a decent dress code as prescribed by the event
organizers, adherence to game rules, and good sportsmanship

Notable games played

For more games visit https://lichess.org/broadcast/2024-national-juniors/round-6/6YzLOdjY (broadcast by Mugisha Ivan)

Girls who have qualified

Under 8: Alicia Belinda, Baliddawa Shirley

Under 10: Talia Atubet, Iculet Chanelle Manuela Okurut, Nakaweesa Jireh Nicole Walusimbi, Mpeirwe Sandra Mukasa, Nina Eliana Atukunda, Musiimenta Mary Gianna

 Under 12: Asaba Juliet F , Muganzi Ruth Thelma Lukanga  , Aine Atubet  , Mulindwa Allison , Suhana Anil Yadav F , Nakandi Natalie Danna , Arinda Bridget

Under 14: Saasi Elizabeth, 2 Nyatia Aimee Ahumuza, Mwesigwa Faith, Namutebi Marianna, Nanteza Gabriella, Diah Mureebe, Dasha Zalwango Kibuule

Under 16: Sana Omprakash Kayyar, Nabirye Caroline, Zuri Tatiina, Nakatudde Macline, Sherry Ariella Agaba, Hailey Nio Mitchelle, Atela Patience

Under 18: Kawuma , Ndagire Mary Kevin , Hannah Zion Mawejje , Nakijjoba Ryann Kyla ,WCM Nakanyike Maria ,  Nakalyowa Sarah , Namakula Reigner

Under 20: Atim Elizabeth, Mwagale Angel Tiffany

Link https://chess-results.com/tnr872319.aspx?lan=1

Boys who have qualified

Under 8: Tumusiime Francis, Katerega Dan William, Igiraneza Blessing, Mushabe Dretzley, Amuriat Daniel, Emejeit Jethro, Ssentomero Jasper Martins

Under 10: Wabwire Ronald , Mukisa Elvin 1369 , Mugenyi Mathias , Bronze 4 Turyatemba Augustine ,Katungye Rodney, Klein Gold Kisakye , Musaanya Shadrach Katende

Under 12: Nolan Alex Nio, Odokonyero Daniel, Ahumuza Apollo, Okurut Martin Kingsley, Muwanguzi Treasure, Devansh Sachin Trivedi, Walusimbi Jason Samuel Kimuli

Under 14: Shoubhith Omprakash Kayyar, Munanukye Manzi, Muhirwa Alvin, Rickey Micheal Beinomugisha, Omara Samora, Isaac Tendo Serwadda, Okiror Solomon

Under 16: Mwase Arthur , Ajiri Nygaard , Ssekamanya Mulondo Daudi ,Mwesigwa Daniel ,Ahabwe Cornelius Turyahikayo , Kibuuka Eria , Tendo Terry

Under 18: Mwase Mathew, Pido Edwin, Muhebwa Shafik, Lotimong Joseph, Ajiri Benjamin Netanyahu, Siima Zion Kazoora, Kigundu Ethan

Under 20: Kanyike Victor, Ntume Ivan, Mukiibi John Ali, Nambohe Arnold,  Kasozi Bukenya Ryan, Nuwe Nehemiah Kimara, Odong Lovelle

Linkhttps://chess-results.com/tnr872317.aspx?lan=1

History of the National Juniors Chess Championship

In the illustrious history of the National Juniors Chess Championship, Makumbi emerged as a prodigious talent, securing a gold medal at the Olympiad and claiming the junior title in the 1990s at just 16 years old. As the chess landscape transitioned into the 2000s, a new era of champions emerged. Kawuma Steven, Faruk Fauza, Murambe Hassan, and Okas Walter dominated the scene, leaving a mark on the championship. The late 2000s witnessed the reign of Ssegwanyi Arthur, Kato Richard, Nsubuga Haruna, and Emojong Elijah, contributing to the rich legacy of the tournament. In a historic moment, Mutesi Phiona and Mastula made history by clinching victory in the open category, breaking barriers, and inspiring a new generation of aspiring chess players.

The subsequent years saw champions like Mukumbya Benjamin etching their names in the National Juniors. In the recent editions of 2022 and 2023, Ajiri Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrated exceptional skill, cementing his status as a formidable force in junior chess. The year 2024 ushered in a new champion, Mwase Mathew, who added his name to the prestigious list of National Juniors winners

Mwase Mathew’s stellar performance, coupled with the promising talents showcased throughout the tournament, paints a bright future for Ugandan chess on both the African and global stages. The federation’s commitment to promoting fair play, discipline, and international standards sets the stage for continued growth and success in the realm of chess.

Credit: {Samuel Were, FM Okas Walter}

Photography by Mukuye Ivan (comrades chess)