August 1st came with a serious blast. History was quietly (and not so quietly) made at the beautiful La Foret Gardens in Muyenga, as chess enthusiasts from all over gathered to witness the official launch of a brand-new chess hub—a major milestone powered by the Gambit Chess Club.
For a long time, the local chess community needed a dedicated space: a place to meet, play, sharpen tactics, and just hang out. Thanks to Gambit Chess Club and its team leader, Isaac Munanira, that vision finally came to life.
Morning Action: National Team Warm-Ups
The day kicked off on a lively note on a crisp Saturday morning. Giving the venue an instant touch of elite energy, the Ugandan National Men’s Chess Team dropped by to hold high-stakes training matches:
- Bob Bibasa
- Nyola Wasswa
- Haruna Nsubuga
- Kawuma Patrick
- Harold Wanyama
Joining them was Walter Okas, who stepped in to balance the pairings and test the waters against the country’s top talent. Hosted by National Coach Ssonko Matthias with hands-on support from Isaac Munanira, the morning sessions set a soaring tone for what this hub represents: high-level growth and active mentorship.
Good Food, Cool Rain, and Big Visions
After a quick, refreshing afternoon shower cooled down the air, the main launch event got underway.
With Ivan Mukuye of Comrades Chess Club taking the mic as the charismatic MC, the afternoon quickly warmed again. Guests were treated to an absolute feast—great food, grilled meat, and drinks flowed in abundance while players from various clubs and academies mingled.
In his welcome speech, Isaac Munanira shared the heart behind the new space:
“This hub is built to host chess players from every club and academy. It’s not just a venue—it’s a home designed for playing, studying, learning, and enjoying the game together.”
Brain Power & History Quizzes
No chess gathering is complete without testing the mind. The festivities moved into a lively Chess History Quiz, packed with tricky trivia centered around the history of the Uganda team at the Chess Olympiad.
While veterans scratched their heads, the show was stolen by youngsters Jayden and Sean, whose razor-sharp answers drew loud applause from the crowd. Lucky quiz winners walked away with brand-new chess boards!
History Made: The First-Ever Freestyle Chess Tournament
The main event of the day was a thrilling piece of local chess history: Uganda’s first-ever Freestyle Chess (Chess960) tournament!
Players tackled Position 784 across 6 intense rounds of fast-paced, creative play. When the final clocks ran out, top honors went to:
- Allan Benjamin Mande (Vice President of the Uganda Chess Federation) — 1st Place
- Shakul Wagodo — Runner-Up
Both champions walked away with chess equipment to add to their arsenals.
A Warm Gathering with Deep Gratitude
The launch also brought out notable guests, including the UBC Health Team led by Dr. Opul David Dickson, who joined in celebrating the wellness and mental strength that chess brings to the community.
As the day wrapped up, players expressed deep gratitude to Patron Isaac Munanira, whose ongoing financial support and commitment have uplifted countless players across the country.
The launch at La Foret Gardens wasn’t just another event—it was the warm, vibrant birth of a sanctuary for Ugandan chess. Whether you are a national grandmaster in the making or just learning how the knight moves, the doors are open. Come through, pull up a chair, and play!
These are some of the other moments that happened throughout the day.
