A Queen’s Gambit in Namugongo: Juliet Asaba Reigns Supreme at the 2026 Queens of Chess Rapid
International Women’s Day 2026 wasn’t just about celebration; it was about strategy, focus, and a massive display of intellectual might. On March 8th, the lush surroundings of Gloria Gardens, Namugongo, played host to the 5th Edition of the Queens of Chess Rapid Tournament.
What we witnessed was nothing short of a revolution in Ugandan women’s chess.
A Record-Breaking Turnout
The most staggering headline of the day was the sheer volume of talent. After a modest 69 participants last year, the 5th edition blew expectations out of the water with a record-breaking 220 participants.
The field was a vibrant mix of veteran masters and fresh faces. This year, many new schools from across the primary and secondary sectors brought their full teams, proving that the future of the game in Uganda is brighter than ever. While the players competed in one massive “open pool” to test their mettle, category prizes allowed young stars in U8, U10, and U12 to shine alongside the seniors.
The Clash of Titans: Asaba vs. Kawuma
The tournament came down to a finale that will be talked about in chess clubs for months. WCM Juliet Asaba emerged as the undisputed champion, finishing with a perfect 7/7 points.
Her path to the crown wasn’t easy. The defining moment of the tournament was her high-stakes encounter with the legendary WCM Patricia Kawuma. For the majority of the game, it looked like a dead-even draw. Spectators held their breath as the endgame unfolded, but in a sequence that left the crowd stunned, Juliet found a path through the “drawn” position to snatch a victory. It was a masterclass in persistence and tactical precision that ultimately secured her the top prize of 1,600,000 Ugx.
International Flavor and Expert Oversight
The event took on a truly prestigious feel with the presence of International Arbiter (IA) Vinaya Choudary Alapati, the Chief Arbiter who traveled from Tanzania specifically to oversee the fair play and technical standards of the competition. His expertise ensured that the record-breaking field moved smoothly through all seven rounds.
The international flair didn’t stop there; the event also featured WFM Joyce Nyaruai Ndirangu (the “Chess Master Joyce” from Kenya), who stood as the sole foreign player in the field.
A Grand Closing Ceremony
The day concluded with a high-profile closing ceremony graced by Mr. Allan Benjamin Mande, the Vice President of the Uganda Chess Federation. His presence underscored the federation’s commitment to elevating women’s chess to the same heights as the open category.
Gratitude to the Visionaries
An event of this magnitude—boasting a total prize fund of 10,000,000 Ugx—would not be possible without the dedicated support of our sponsors. A massive thank you goes to:
- Dr. Otete
- VR Agro SMC Limited
- Gambit Chess Club
- Gloria Gardens Namugongo
Final Standings (Top 5)
| Rk. | Name | Rtg | Pts. | Prize |
| 1 | WCM Asaba, Juliet | 1864 | 7.0 | 1,600,000 Ugx |
| 2 | WIM Sana, Omprakash Kayyar | 2002 | 6.5 | 1,300,000 Ugx |
| 3 | WCM Ampaire, Shakira | 1791 | 6.0 | 1,000,000 Ugx |
| 4 | WCM Kawuma, Patricia | 1777 | 6.0 | 750,000 Ugx |
| 5 | Nakatudde, Mackline | 1668 | 6.0 | 650,000 Ugx |
The 2026 Queens of Chess has set a new gold standard. From the smallest U8 competitor to our grand champion, Juliet Asaba, every player proved that the chessboard is a place where queens are truly made.
Tournament directors, Glory, Penninah, and Joyce. Hannah on Media, Sarah and Vicky on time management. Gloria and Joyce on hospitality, Welfare on Sandra and Val as the overseer of the event.
Some notable games of the season to remember ..
PHOTO CREDIT: Ivan Mukuye, Jotham M.
