NGONG SAMUEL GAI FROM SOUTH SUDAN WINS THE 9TH KIREKA OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2025 WHILE SANA WINS THE LADIES CATEGORY- Sponsored by MTN UGANDA.

One of the biggest and most anticipated chess events in Uganda, the Kireka Open Chess Championship, once again proved its status. The 9th Edition of the championship transformed Sports View Hotel, Kireka, along the Kenya, Uganda Highway, into a global chess arena, drawing players from seven international federations and assembling one of the strongest fields ever seen in Ugandan chess.

*Patron Kireka Chess Club Were Bob, Sana Omprakash , Ngong Samuel and President Uganda Chess Federation Bakiiza Andrew with the winner*s

Now established as a cornerstone of Uganda’s chess calendar, the Kireka Open continues to grow attracting elite players, international arbiters, major sponsors, and widespread global viewership.

The Open section was dominated by Ngong Samuel Gai of South Sudan, who delivered a historic and great performance, scoring 8/8. He sealed his victory by defeating Nyola Waswa Mark in the final round finishing off with a great tournament run.

He was followed by Gong thong Gong 7 points in 2nd place, while Musasizi Emmanuel secured 3rd place with 7points . Joint 4th place honors went to Sonko Mathias, Nyola Waswa Mark, and Kamoga Rajab who all had 6.5points.

The Ladies section delivered great chess and ended in a tie at the top, which was decided by a tiebreak playoff where WIM Sana Omprakash Kayyar emerged champion, Kawuma Patrricia emerged second while WFM Nakabob Peninah secured third place.

*Mande Allan Benjamin Vice president Uganda Chess federation awards WIM Sana Omprakash*

*awarded by Mrs Lubega, Kawuma Patricia emerged second*

*WFM Nakabob Peninah secured third place.*

The championship drew players from seven federations worldwide, including South Sudan, Somalia, Zambia, and other nations. Among the notable international participants was Zambian Candidate Master Zulu Thomas, adding further prestige to the event.

*Zulu thomas from Zambia with the generation chess Promoter sanya Derrick*

Uganda’s top players were well represented, including Harold Wanyama, Haruna Nsubuga, Kawuma Patrick, Nyola Waswa Mark, and Kamoga Rajab. The tournament was officiated by a strong arbitration team led by International Arbiter (IA) Kimera, alongside Cynthia from Kenya, ensuring fair play and high technical standards.

In the Junior category, Tulinaye Osborn emerged champion in the Open section, while Birungi Shekinah Adnah claimed victory in the Girls’ section, with both winners going home with laptops.

*Awared by veteran I.A Turyahabwe christopher ,Tulinaye Osborn winner open*

In the category awards, Apollo Ahumuza of KTLC Chess Club dominated the U2000 section with an impressive 6/8 performance, gaining over 77 Elo points, while Daahir Bashir from Somalia claimed the U1900 category. The Best Player with Disability award was deservedly won by Mbaziira Wasswa Sharif of SOM Chess Academy.

*Daahir Bashir winner in the U1900 categor*y

*mbaziira Wasswa Sharif wins best differently abled*

Special recognition goes to Munanira Isaac, whose bold initiative of placing a bounty on Kireka Chess Club players added excitement and intensity to the championship. This move spiced up the tournament, inspired fearless play, and contributed to several remarkable upsets, making the event even more thrilling and memorable.

*Samuel Gai won aganist Nyola wasswa mark*

*Wanyama Harold wins prize after defeating a kireka player*

*Muhebwa shafic won aganist Haruna Nsubuga round 2*

*Dut Agol wins prize after defeating a Kireka player and many other players*

Games were broadcast live on Lichess, allowing global audiences to follow the action:
https://lichess.org/broadcast/2025-kireka-open-chess-championship-open/round-8/JmDS5wly/jZK0C8es

The tournament was proudly sponsored by MTN Uganda and Manda Mobile, with players donning orange attire earning it recognition as the most orange chess event in Uganda. Winners walked away with cash prizes, trophies, and medals

Special appreciation goes to Mr. Bob Were, patron of Kireka Chess Club, and the organizing committee led by Sanya Derrick and Kafuko John, for delivering a world, class event.

*Sanya Derrick generation ch*ess promoter

The President of the Uganda Chess Federation, Andrew Bakiiza, commended Kireka Chess Club for the excellent organization and reaffirmed UCF’s commitment to greater horizons for Ugandan chess under his leadership

*Andrew Bakiiza President Uganda Chess Federation*

The 9th Kireka Open Chess Championship 2025 will be remembered for its international diversity, competitive intensity, and great performances sealing Kireka’s place as a powerhouse in Uganda’s chess