Photo credit – Ivan Mukuye
⏱️ The 11-Round Round Robin Schedule
In this “all-play-all” format, each of the 12 players faces every opponent once. To balance intensity and recovery, the 11 rounds are spread over three weekends:
- Weekend 1: Rounds 1–4 (2 rounds per day).
- Weekend 2: Rounds 5–8 (2 rounds per day).
- Weekend 3: Rounds 9–11 (2 rounds on Saturday, Final Round 11 on Sunday).
The Daily Rhythm:
- Morning Round: Fresh energy and deep opening preparation.
- Afternoon Round: A test of stamina and “fighting chess” as fatigue sets in.
By the final Sunday, the top 5 performers in each section will secure their coveted spots on the national team for the Chess Olympiad.
Here is an expanded look at the formidable “Super 12” men and women currently battling for glory and a ticket to the Chess Olympiad at the Sports View Hotel in Kireka. Special mention of notable players who will not play in these qualifiers this year. IM Arthur Ssegwanyi, FM Walter Okas, and IM Emojong Elijah in the open section. Women chess Masters Nakabo Peninah, Nansubuga Gloria, and Milly Takali, who are involved in family and work obligations.
♟️ The Ladies’ Section: The New Era of Queens
This year’s qualifiers are defined by a massive youth surge, with teenagers making up the majority of the field.
- Goretti Angolikin: A true legend returns. As a 3-time Olympian, Goretti brings a veteran’s poise that the younger field lacks. Having been away from the competitive board for a while, she is the “X-factor” of the tournament—proving that her “flair and fire” are as potent as ever.
2. Mackline Nakatudde: The giant-slayer from the national juniors. Mackline has dominated the school chess circuit and is now translating that success to the senior stage. She isn’t just here to participate; she is here to disrupt the established hierarchy.
3. Suhana Yadav: At just 12 years old, Suhana is the “baby” of the tournament but plays with the maturity of a grandmaster. Following stellar continental performances, she is using these qualifiers to turn her raw talent into seasoned experience.
4. Zuri Tatiina: Chess is in her DNA. Hailing from a famous chess-playing family, Zuri is a “lighthouse icon” in the community. Her tactical consistency and high-level tournament pedigree make her a favorite to secure a top spot.
5. Angel Luggya: Representing the “Ivory Tower,” Angel is the sole university player in the field (Makerere University). She brings a fresh, academic energy to the board and is a symbol of how the game is thriving in higher education.
6. Sana Omprakash Kayyar: The reigning African Youth Champion and WIM. Sana is arguably the most dominant force in Ugandan women’s chess. With her aggressive style and relentless drive, she appears almost “unstoppable” in her quest for another Olympiad appearance.
7. Joan Ahereza: The “Golden Girl” of local tournaments. Joan has won almost everything there is to win domestically, but the Olympiad status has remained her “Final Frontier.” Her dynamic play makes her one of the most exciting players to watch. She recently won the Bulemeezi Open Rapid, showcasing her flair.
8. Patricia Kawuma: A proud product of the SOM Katwe program. Often called the “New Queen of Katwe,” Patricia is a 2-time Olympian whose rise through the ranks has been meteoric. She carries the hopes of a community known for producing world-class resilience.
9. Shakira Ampaire: The defending National Champion. As a 3-time Olympian, Shakira is the “Solid Rock” of the field. Her defensive technique is legendary, and she is currently the benchmark that every other player is trying to surpass.
10. Asaba Juliet: A product of the prestigious KTLCA Academy. Juliet has dominated the junior categories for years. This tournament marks her transition to the “Big Stage,” where she aims to prove her junior titles were just the beginning.
11. Atella (Patience Angel): She holds the Wampeewo Ntake Banner high and is a key player in school team championships. Atella’s inclusion in the Super 12 is a testament to her work ethic and her ability to perform under the highest pressure. She is also a member of the KTLCA foundation.
12. Asiimwe Olivia: The ultimate underdog. Olivia’s “landmine attacks” are her trademark; she has a unique ability to find surprising tactical shots that leave even seasoned opponents off-balance.
♟️ The Men’s Section: The Clash of Titans
The men’s field is a brutal mix of historic legends and hungry “prodigy” hunters.
- Magino Norman: A tactical specialist from the Kireka Chess Club. Norman stepped into the big shoes of IM Emojong and has held his own with theoretically sharp opening systems that demand absolute precision from his rivals.
2. FM Patrick Kawuma: The “Olympiad King.” With a record 7 appearances, Patrick is the most experienced player in the room. His presence alone sets the standard for the tournament, and his deep positional understanding remains unmatched.
3. Ssonko Mathias Allan: Wearing two hats as the 2026 National Coach and a player. Matthias carries the weight of the community on his shoulders, balancing his role as a mentor with his ambition to return to the Olympiad stage.
4. Baguma Innocent: The 14-year-old sensation. As the 2026 National Junior Champion, Innocent is the youngest in the men’s field. His “machine-like” defense and cold-blooded counter-attacks have already made him a nightmare for the veterans.
5. FM Harold Wanyama: Arguably and often cited as the best player in the country. A former national coach and continental medalist, “The King” represents the peak of Ugandan chess excellence. Every game he plays is a masterclass in strategy. And a 5-time Olympian.
6. Mark Nyola: The current pace-setter. Starting the qualifiers with a perfect 4/4, Mark has shown incredible growth. His dynamic style is currently the most effective weapon in the tournament. He is also a University Champion who recently brought Kampala University to glory.
7. FM Bob Bibasa: “The Beast.” As the oldest player in the field, Bob is a living legend. After a period of quiet, he has regained his “flare,” proving that his aggressive, uncompromising style is still lethal in 2026.
8. Emmanuel Musasizi: A powerhouse from the Lighthouse stable. While he hasn’t reached the Olympiad yet, he is widely considered the “most dangerous player without a title” in the field.
9. Rajab Kamoga: The “Tactical Wizard” from CNA. Rajab is known for creating chaos on the board—a style that makes opponents uneasy and often leads to spectacular victories.
10. FM Haruna Nsubuga: A 3-time Olympian known for his “unorthodox systems.” Haruna plays chess like a puzzle, often dragging opponents into territory where their preparation counts for nothing.
11. Alvin Muhirwa: At 15, Alvin is exploring “totally new territory.” He is the dark horse of the men’s section, gaining invaluable experience by testing himself against the country’s absolute best.
12. Emmanuel Egesa: A 2-time Olympian and a mainstay of the league-winning Kireka team. Egesa is the definition of “solid.” Breaking through his defenses is one of the hardest tasks in Ugandan chess.
This mix of raw teenage ambition and seasoned veteran wisdom is making the 2026 qualifiers one for the history books.
The return of Stephen Kisuze to the heart of Ugandan chess activity is being hailed as the “homecoming of a giant.” After a nine-year hiatus from national arbitration and leadership roles, the FIDE Master (FM) and International Arbiter (IA) has officially stepped back onto the scene, bringing with him a wealth of world-class experience that has the community buzzing with optimism.
A Legacy Refined on the World Stage
While he may have been away from local duties, Kisuze has been far from idle. Over the last decade, he has solidified his reputation as one of Africa’s most respected arbiters on the global circuit. His resume reads like a “who’s who” of elite chess:
- The World Cup: Officiating at the highest pressure-cooker events in the FIDE calendar.
- The Olympiads: Serving as a Sector Arbiter and Match Arbiter, managing games involving world-renowned Grandmasters and International Masters.
- Continental Authority: His deep knowledge of the Laws of Chess has made him a go-to official for African Individual Championships and major zonal events.
The Chief Arbiter’s Return
This year, Kisuze takes on the mantle of Chief Arbiter for the 2026 National Chess Championship and Olympiad Qualifiers. For the players at the Sports View Hotel, his presence offers more than just technical oversight; it provides a sense of prestige and security.
In a field dominated by eight teenagers and a fresh wave of talent, having a “living encyclopedia” of the game ensures that the transition of power in Ugandan chess happens under the highest possible standards. His return aligns perfectly with the new federation leadership’s vision of professionalizing the sport and aligning with the National Sports Act.
A Blessed Community
The Ugandan chess fraternity has expressed overwhelming gratitude for his return. As one of the few International Arbiters in the region with such a high-profile international track record, Kisuze’s decision to re-engage locally is seen as a “blessing.” Alongside his technical team—including IA Kimera Innocent and IA Vicky Nakiirya, among others like FA Augustine Etyangat—he is effectively raising the “floor” of tournament quality in Uganda.
For the young players like Sana Omprakash Kayyar and Baguma Innocent, playing under the watchful eye of a man who has refereed the world’s best is a lesson in itself. Stephen Kisuze isn’t just back to check the clocks; he is back to ensure that the next generation of Ugandan champions is ready for the world stage he knows so well.
Below are some of the notable games that happened over the weekend from Round 1 – ROUND 4!
Round 1 games.
Round 2 games.
Round 3 games.
round 4 games
See you next week!!
