UGANDA OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 – DAY ONE Highlights: Super GM Held to a Draw by Uganda’s FM ELECT PIDO EDWIN , Juniors Shine in Opening Rounds
The 2025 Uganda Open Chess Championships kicked off today with a thrilling start at Nob View Hotel, ushering in the first event of the UCF Grand Prix series for the 2025/2026 season. The opening ceremony, presided over by UCF General Secretary, newly decorated International Organizer Eng : Ojok Patrick , set the stage for what promises to be one of the most competitive chess events in East Africa this year.
The headline of the day belonged to Pido Edwin (FM Elect)—the recently crowned MVP of the Father Grimes Schools Team Chess Championship—who heroically held Super Grandmaster Timur Gareyev to a draw in a sharp Ruy Lopez line. The young Ugandan displayed nerves of steel, accurate calculation, and fearless play against the GM, earning respect and admiration from players and spectators alike.
Pido, who swept an impeccable 9/9 score on Board 1 in the Secondary Open category at Father Grimes, continues to prove he’s a force to watch on the national and international stage.
Day One also saw a wave of junior players making a bold statement against their more experienced opponents:
- Soubith Omprakash drew with seasoned national player Kamoga Rajab in a complex middlegame battle.
- Ahumuza Apollo demonstrated great endgame technique to hold Wech Adol Chol.
- Baguma Innocent neutralized the dynamic Ivan Jalagatha Mugisha, securing a solid draw.
Hosted by the Uganda Chess Federation, the event has drawn players from across the region, with sections for Open, Women, and Juniors. The Open and Women categories began today and will continue until Sunday, May 18th. The Juniors section kicks off on Saturday, featuring 8 rounds played over two days.
With over 6 million Uganda Shillings in cash prizes, medals, and trophies up for grabs, and Grand Prix points on the line for top Ugandan players, the tournament has attracted fierce competition across all divisions.
This event marks the official launch of the 2025/2026 UCF Grand Prix—a series designed to enhance player development and create consistent opportunities for rated play throughout the year.
UCF has ensured a highly professional environment. The tournament is being conducted under strict FIDE rules, with a well-defined Fair Play Policy. Players are prohibited from carrying electronic devices into the playing hall, and random checks are being conducted to maintain integrity.
With momentum building and young stars already shaking the leaderboard, Day Two is expected to bring even more high-stakes action. Round Two and Three of the Open and Women sections are scheduled for Friday, and all eyes will be on whether Uganda’s rising stars can continue to hold their own—or even defeat—international masters and titled players
Were Samuel– Uganda Chess Federation
