UGANDA’S CHESS TEAM NARROWLY MISSES OUT ON MEDALS AT 2023 AFRICAN GAMES

In a stunning turn of events, Uganda’s chess team faltered thrice at the 2023 African Games in Accra, Ghana, missing out on podium finishes and failing to add to the Uganda medal tally. The team’s failure to convert in the final rounds proved to be their undoing, as they struggled to convert winning positions or hold on to draws and succumbed to nerves in time trouble.

In a stunning turn of events, Uganda’s chess team faltered thrice at the 2023 African Games in Accra, Ghana, missing out on podium finishes and failing to add to the Uganda medal tally. The team’s failure to convert in the final rounds proved to be their undoing, as they struggled to convert winning positions or hold on to draws and succumbed to nerves in time trouble.

 Indeed the individual performances of FM Wanyama Harold and Peninah Nakabo were breathtaking during the rounds and heartbreaking in the last rounds.

It was a Tale of Missed Opportunities:
FM Wanyama Harold, a strong contender in the individual rapids,   blasted his opponents apart to enter the final round in a clear second position. A victory would have secured him a gold or silver medal, while even a draw would have earned him a bronze or silver. However, in a moment of unfortunate miscalculation, he squandered an equal position and lost the game to IM Arab Adlane of Algeria.

Similarly, in the individual rapids women’s category, Peninah Nakabo, who had led the event for several rounds, found herself needing just one win in the final two rounds to secure a podium finish. In a crucial match against joint leader Wafa Shahenda from Egypt, Nakabo suffered a defeat, and in the last round, she lost a winning position against Sasha Mongeli, ultimately ending her campaign without a medal.

In the final game of the tournament (mixed team blitz), Uganda on table two again failed to overcome Algeria further adding to the gloom of the expectant Uganda Chess community.

The games were broadcast live, capturing the attention of the global chess community and igniting a flurry of discussions on social media groups in Africa and of course Uganda.. The difficulties faced by FM Harold Wanyama and Peninah Nakabo served as valuable lessons for the team and the entire chess community in Uganda. The setbacks experienced at the 2023 African Games will now be treated as a warm-up & a preparatory phase for the grandest of chess events in Africa. The upcoming 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship, also serves as a qualifying event for the World Cup.

Looking Ahead to the 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship:
Uganda’s representation in the 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship is expected to be a little lightweight, with only two out of a possible ten players participating. Despite efforts to gather a full team, securing additional player facilitation has proven challenging and fruitless. Nevertheless, the team remains determined to compete and attempt to make their mark in the championship. Safinah Mugide is set to join FM Harold Wanyama and Peninah Nakabo as they embark on their quest for the African title. The championship will take place from March 12th to March 21st, 2024, in Accra, Ghana.
The Uganda Chess Federation extends its appreciation an acknowledgment to the Uganda sports community for their unwavering support.

Special thanks are given to the government of Uganda through the National Council of Sports (NCS) for their backing, the media for providing updates on the team’s progress, and the fans and officials who showed physically in the Uganda chess camp to boost the morale of the players. Notable individuals, including CDM Ivan Mugowa, Madam Shadiah from NCS, AUUS President Peninah Aligaweesa, Titus Tugume, and World Chess Federation President H.E Arkady Dvorkovich and his team, have contributed significantly to the team’s journey, from the games village to the prestigious 5-star Alisa Hotel in Ghana.

The disappointment faced by Uganda’s chess team at the 2023 African Games serves as a reminder of the challenges and unpredictability of competitive chess. The difficulties encountered in the 2023 African Games shall be treated as a warm-up to the grand event. As they regroup and prepare for the upcoming 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship, the team is determined to learn from their experiences and strive for success. The chess community eagerly awaits their performance in the championship, where they will represent Uganda with pride and determination.

 Several Uganda officials at the 2023 African games have a rare opportunity to witness the biggest chess event in Africa- The 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship (12th to 21st March 2024).

All event results & standings   can be accessed at https://chess-results.com/tnr893040.aspx?lan=1&art=2&rd=9&turdet=YES&flag=30

Details shall be availed in the event full report later.

Credit:

Eng: Mwaka Emmanuel

President: Uganda Chess Federation (UCF)