The Sports Outreach Ministries (SOM) Chess Academy in Katwe, Uganda, launched its annual Easter Open Chess Championship in April 2025, established as a FIDE-rated event to promote local talent and international competition. The 2026 (3rd) edition featured over 200 participants from Uganda and South Sudan with 32 million Ugandan shillings in prizes at Skate .
The 3rd edition will commence from tomorrow 2nd April Good Friday to 5th April 2025 Easter Monday where players across Uganda and the global came together to compete according to age groups including U10, U12, U14, U16, U19, differently abled, Junior and Open in both girls and boys respectively.
Juicy cash prizes are on stake for the top performers exceeding 32 million Ugandan shillings (including additional prizes in form of trophies and medals), the championship offers exciting opportunities for both male and female players, and special categories.
Last year’s winner are Nsubuga Harunah and Ndirangu Joyce from Kenya while Patricia Kawuma (SOM Chess Club) and Emmanuel Egesa (Kireka Chess Club) were the inaugural winners in the ladies’ and open sections, respectively.
Founder of SOM Chess Academy, Engineer Robert Katende, highlighted the significance of the tournament will follow a FIDE-rated format, with 8 rounds and a time control of 90 minutes plus a 2-second increment per move.
“Exciting Opportunities for Juniors, Special attention has been given to the junior category this year. Participants will benefit from Smart watches as prizes Chess boards and learning equipment
Trophies and medals
Lunch provided for both days of the tournament
This initiative aims to motivate young players and support their growth both in chess and personal development “.
The launch comes amidst the Academy’s recent construction of a world-class facility, overcoming past limitations in hosting international chess tournaments. The exceptional venue paves the way for SOM to become a hub for future chess events.
The tournament is organized by SOM Chess Academy and sponsored by by Robert Katende Initiative and Sports Outreach ministries uses chess game to transform lives through chess with the theme “One move at a time since 2004″.
The tournament offers a range of attractive prizes:
Open Category:
1st Place: 1,000,000 UGX
2nd Place: 700,000 UGX
3rd Place: 500,000 UGX
4th Place: 300,000 UGX
5th Place: 25,0000 UGX
6th Place: 150000 UGX
7th Place: 100000 UGX
Ladies Category:
1st Place: 1,000,000 UGX
2nd Place: 700,000 UGX
3rd Place: 500,000 UGX
4th Place: 300,000 UGX
5th Place: 25,0000 UGX
6th Place: 150000 UGX
7th Place: 100000UGX
Best Differently abled : 100000UGX
Senior 50years+:100000UGX
U19years:100000UGX
U16years:100000UGX
Best Junior:100000UGX
That’s a fantastic initiative supporting chess in Uganda. It’s really impressive to see such a significant investment in a grassroots event.