Checkmate in Mbarara: A Historic Milestone for the 35th Father Grimes Chess Championship
The Ugandan school sports calendar just witnessed a revolution. The 35th Edition of the Father Grimes Chess Championship wasn’t just another tournament; it was a historic pivot point for the game. Under the fresh leadership of Mr. Andrew Bakiza, the championship broke a 30-year tradition by moving more than 100km outside of Kampala, finding a spectacular new home at the prestigious Ntare School in Mbarara.
From May 3rd to May 7th, 2026, the “Land of Milk and Honey” became the “Land of Kings and Queens,” hosting an unprecedented gathering of young analytical minds.
By The Numbers: A Record-Breaking Turnout
The scale of this year’s event was staggering, cementing its status as the definitive school event of the year:
- 213 Competing Teams
- 1,000+ Student Players
- 500+ Support Staff (Teachers, Coaches, and Arbiters)
- 48 Individual Board Winners celebrated at the closing ceremony.
The Champions: A New Era of Dominance
The competition across the four categories was fierce, with both powerhouse schools and rising stars making their mark.
1. Secondary Open: The SHACK Attack
St. Henry’s College Kitovu (SHACK) proved why they are a chess dynasty. SHACK Team A claimed the top spot with a perfect 9/9 wins, while their Team B secured 3rd place, sandwiching SMACK Team N in a tightly contested podium.
2. Secondary Ladies: Wampeewo Ntake Ascends
In the Secondary Ladies section, Wampeewo Ntake SS Team A reigned supreme. They finished at the top of the table after 9 grueling rounds, showcasing incredible tactical depth to edge out St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High School.
3. Primary Open & Girls: The Historic Double
The story of the tournament belongs to Sr. Miriam Duggan Primary School. In a feat that will be talked about for years, they secured a historic double, winning both the Primary Open and Primary Girls sections. Their dominance in the primary tier signals a bright future for the next generation of Ugandan masters.
Ivan Mukuye captured the event moments on the ground. Enjoy
Beyond the Board: Solar Panels and Financial Literacy
This year’s championship looked toward the future in more ways than one. The closing ceremony was a star-studded affair, featuring administrators and generous sponsors.
In a unique twist of corporate social responsibility, Bank of Baroda Uganda awarded the winning schools with Solar Panels, providing a sustainable gift that will benefit the institutions long after the trophies are placed in cabinets.
Furthermore, the event integrated life skills into the competition. Bank of Uganda and DTB conducted daily financial literacy classes, ensuring that while students were mastering the Sicilian Defense, they were also learning the fundamentals of saving and investment.
A Glimpse into the Future
While the transition to a regional host came with a few logistical “hiccups” regarding living conditions—which the administration has pledged to refine—the overall organization was a triumph. Ntare School deserves a standing ovation for successfully hosting over 1,500 people, a monumental logistical feat.
The momentum isn’t stopping in the West. During the closing remarks, it was revealed that the championship plans to head North to Gulu City next year.
The 35th Father Grimes Championship has left an indelible mark on Mbarara. Under the new administration, chess is no longer just a “Kampala sport”—it is a national treasure, moving across the country to inspire every child with a board and a dream.
Let’s close with some of the notable games that made the SHACK team take the contested trophy and Position
On Board 2, Aaron of SHACK outplayed Shafik of Springfield in a contested position.
On board 2 Osborn of Shack showed a master class against the formidable FM Pido.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants! See you in Gulu!
