The 3rd Edition SOM Easter Chess Championships concluded yesterday evening at the SOM Chess Academy Headquarters in Katwe, Makindye, Kampala District, where talented young minds delivered notable performances in both the Men’s Open and Women’s categories.
Nsubuga Haruna demonstrated remarkable prowess, clinching the Men’s Open title after securing seven points from eight games in a do-or-die final against Wanyama Harold. With this victory, Haruna becomes the first player to successfully defend the SOM Easter Chess Championships title. In the Women’s Open category, Asaba Juliet emerged victorious with seven points after a tightly contested encounter with Asiimwe Olivia.
The four-day SOM Easter Chess Championships attracted an impressive turnout of 100 skilled players from diverse regions. This edition featured participants from several SOM centres and various chess clubs across the country, including Gulu, Kiboga, Katwe, among others. The competition was organized into multiple sections: Open, Ladies, U10, U12, U14, U16, U19, U20, 50+, and the Disabled category, with both boys and girls competing.
After eight rounds of play, champions emerged across the different categories and were awarded prizes including trophies, medals, smart watches, chess boards, cash prizes, and certificates.
Robert Katende, the proprietor of SOM Chess Academy, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the tournament and commended the supporters and organizing team.
“This tournament also serves as preparation for players ahead of the Africa Chess Youth Games, which will take place in Uganda at Botanical Beach, as well as for Team Uganda preparing for the Olympiad,” he noted.
“Thank you to our partners, friends, and well-wishers for your continued support towards this work of restoring hope and transforming lives through chess, one move at a time, since 2004,” he added.
SOM Easter Chess Championships Winners
Open Category Boys
Gold: Nsubuga Haruna – 7 points (1000K)
Silver: Wanyama Harold – 7 points (700K)
Bronze: Egesa Emmanuel – (500K)
Open Category Girls
Gold: Asaba Juliet – 7 points (1000K)
Silver: Asiimwe Olivia – 7 points (700K)
Bronze: Ahereza Joan – 5½ points (500K)
U10 Age Category Winners (Boys)
Gold: Mugarula Israel – 3½ points
Silver: Mubiru Shakib – 3 points
Bronze: Katumba Moses – 2½ points
U10 Girls Category
Gold: Nakasi Margret – 2 points
Silver: Babirye Karen – ½ point
U12 Category Winners (Boys)
Gold: Nsubuga Austin – 3⅓ points
U12 Girls Category
Gold: Nakato Husnah – 3 points
Silver: Musiimenta Gertrude – 2 points
Bronze: Namuyinda Theresa Mawaggali – 2 points
U14 Category Winners (Boys)
Gold: Omara Keithem – 5 points
Silver: Tumwesige Fred – 5 points
Bronze: Jjuko Marvin – 3½ points
U14 Girls Category
Gold: Nakanda Esther – 3½ points
Silver: Nalugwa Zaharah – 3 points
Bronze: Nabisele Ramula – 3 points
U16 Category Winners (Boys)
Gold: Kajjoba Humphrey – 5½ points
Silver: Ssendagire Paul – 5 points
Bronze: Vedant Dattani – 5 points
U16 Girls Category
Gold: Birungi Shekinah Adnah – 4 points
Silver: Kirabo Angel – 3½ points
Bronze: Kabira Juliana – 3 points
U20 Category Winners
Girls
Gold: Namugaru Evelyne – 4 points
Silver: Nakato Alexar Rebecca
Boys
Gold: Kirabo Joshua – 4 points
Silver: Lwazi Marius Kinsambwe – 3½ points
People with Disabilities (PWD) Category
Gold: Ciza Maxima – 3 points
Silver: Mbaziira Wasswa Sharif
Bronze: Sseguya Enock – 2½ points
U16 Additional Category Winners
Gold: Kitumba Elvis – 4 points
Silver: Mukaaya Samuel
Bronze: Mutangana William – 3½ points
U19 Category Winners
Gold: Wabwire Ronald – 5½ points
Silver: Sematimba John – 5 points
Bronze: Were Samuel
50+ Category Winners
Gold: Kaamu Joseph – 4½ points
Silver: Kikabi Godfrey – 4 points
Bronze: Obita Fra
