Uganda reigns supreme in Burundi, secures spots at World Chess Championship

Uganda’s dominance on the East African chess scene was emphatically reaffirmed last month in Bujumbura, Burundi, where the national team stormed to five medals at the Africa Amateurs Individual Chess Championship.

The standout performances came from unrated sensation Mirembe Marceline and Candidate Master (CM) Shoubith Omprakash, whose golden runs not only powered Uganda to the overall title but also earned them qualification for the 2025 World Amateurs Individual Chess Championship, scheduled for November in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia.

Mirembe, who made headlines with her fearless and strategic play, clinched the Women’s U1700 title after an astonishing record of eight wins in nine games. Omprakash delivered Uganda’s second gold, further underlining his growing pedigree on the continental stage.

The rest of the team also delivered commendable performances. WFM Sana Omprakash Kayyar claimed silver in the Women’s U2300 section after winning six of her nine matches, a result that secured her direct qualification to the 2026 World Amateurs.

Pauline Biyinzika added another silver in the Women’s U1700 category, while Elvin Bogere Kabanda earned bronze in the U2000 Open section, finishing joint-second with 5.5 points.

Uganda Chess Federation President Emanuel Mwaka, who led the delegation, praised the team’s resilience and brilliance. “This is a pleasant surprise and a welcome result. Despite traveling with a much-depleted squad, our players once again proved their ability to compete at the highest level on the continental stage,” he said.

The five-day championship in Burundi not only brought Uganda continental glory but also reaffirmed the country’s steady rise as a chess powerhouse. With Serbia now on the horizon, Uganda’s brightest stars are poised to take their talents to the global stage.