The 2025 Premier Bet Uganda Chess League has officially begun at the SOM Chess Academy Arena in Katwe, Makindye Division, Kampala. The league features 47 clubs competing in classical games, with one classical game played per league day and blitz/rapid games in the afternoon.
In a significant boost to the tournament, Premier Bet Uganda has increased the first prize from 3,500,000 to 10,000,000 Uganda shillings. This hike is expected to attract more competitive play and elevate the prestige of the tournament.
The league promises to be a landmark event in the African chess calendar, featuring a diverse range of participants from Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. Over 400 players are expected to participate in the FIDE-rated 8-round event, which will be played every Sunday based on the Swiss system.
The event features two categories: an elite closed FIDE-rated section comprising rated players and a few select top unrated players, and an open lower category featuring the bulk of unrated players.
Kireka Chess Club, the reigning champions from the 2024 season, will defend their title against fierce competition from local and international teams, including those from Somalia, Sudan, and Kenya.
Uganda Chess Federation President, Emmanuel Mwaka, expressed excitement about the league’s start, stating, “The 2025 Uganda Chess League officially started, and it was a perfect day. We expect great match days ahead as more teams join in.” Mwaka highlighted the significance of the event, saying, “The highly billed Uganda national league event is the biggest on the Uganda Chess Federation calendar, and it’s expected to feature top players from Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan among other countries in the region.”
