Kireka Chess Club was started in 1994 with the aim of providing a platform for residents in Kireka, then a suburb in Kampala District to play chess. Initially operating informally as a community based organization, Kireka Chess Club has grown into a regional not for profit organization which has groomed a number of chess players through tournaments such as the annual Kireka Open Chess Championship and its teams, Kireka A and Kireka Panthers which have dominated the Uganda Chess League since time immemorial. We believe that the attributes of chess such as strategy and calculation skills can be used to positively impact people’s lives and create value addition.
Our Mission
To use chess as a tool too positively transform the livelihoods of people in the East African community through community outreaches and partnerships.
Our Vision
To create a competitive and professional chess community and culture that enriches the livelihoods of chess players.
Objectives
To increase the awareness of chess and its benefits to people’s day to day lives.
To provide platforms which promote chess competition and professionalism in
the East African Community.
Values
Respect,
Professionalism
Transparency & Accountability
Diversity & Inclusion.
ABOUT KIREKA OPEN CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
Kireka Open Chess Championship is one of the flagship events of Kireka Chess Club. It has been happening annually towards the end of each year since the year of our Lord 2016. It is one of the most contested and anticipated tournament across the East Africa region. It features the open category, ladies category and juniors category.
The inaugural edition was held in 2016 with a host of big name players such as IM Ssegwanyi Arthur, FM Wanyama Harold, FM Kawuma Patrick, FM Haruna Nsubuga, CM Magana Benjamin and veterans like Nsubuga Grace Daniel, Barumba Enoch, Ssentongo Edward and Bibasa Bob. IM Ssegwanyi Arthur won the tournament on tiebreak with a score of 7 points out of 8 games after he tied for first place with FM Haruna Nsubuga. The tournament also witnessed the rise of young upcoming players such as Basangwa Johnson who came in 4th place and Ngabijainitho Peter Jaker. The ladies category was contested by Uganda's leading female players such as WFMs Amoko Ivy, Namaganda Christine and Angoilikin Goretti among others. Top seed Amoko Ivy obliterated the field with a record setting and stunning score of 7.5 points out of 8 games, 1 point clear of the rest of the pack.
The 2017 edition was contested by all the top players in Uganda and could easily go down as the strongest local tournament ever played on Uganda soil. This time FM Wanyama Harold emerged victorious in the open section with a score of 7.5 points out of 8 games while WFM Amoko Ivy defended her title with relative ease with a score of 5.5 points out of 8 games. This edition also saw the rise of youngster Matovu Abel to the limelight and Kafuko Paul. The edition also featured an U1600 category which was won by Serwada jimmy on tiebreak after he tied for first with Mpalanyi Isaac and Wagaba gift. This edition is also famous for Isiko Simon Patrick's immortal game against Waira Ibrahim where he unleashed a knight sacrifice on f6 on move 21 before ripping apart Waira's position into a mating net. A summary of the results can be found here Link
The 2018 edition was as usual hotly contested. This time Lubega Solomon took the honors on tiebreak with a score of 7 points after tying for first place with IM Emojong Elijah. WFM Angoilikin Goretti took first place in the ladies category with a score of 5.5 points. The edition saw the gradual rise of Kafuko Paul who tied for third place. It also announced the entry of Takali Milly on the chess scene after she came second in the ladies category. The unrated section was won by Ssemanda Kevin with 9 points two and a half points ahead of the chasing pack. A summary of the results can be found here Link
The 2019 edition didn't disappoint. With a number of players from South Sudan, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Kenya in the mix, it was meant to be a thriller of a contest. In the end however, it was IM Ssegwanyi Arthur who came out on top with a score of 7.5 points out of 8 games after tying for first place with FM Kawuma Patrick. In the ladies category, WFM Angoilikin Goretti defended her title with a score of 5 points. The tournament saw the rise of Masiko Ezekiel to the chess scene when he tied for third place. Ssematimba John emerged victorious in the junior section with a respectable 7 points out of 8 games to win the title on tiebreak from Kidde Praise Rodney who also scored 7 points. A summary of the results can be found here link
The tournament did not happen in 2020 because of the lockdown induced by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It however bounced back in 2021. Once again, IM Ssegwanyi Arthur proved a formidable force to reckon with when he defended his title for the second consecutive year with 7.5 points ahead of the trio of Gong Thon Gong, Ssali Julius and Egesa Emmanuel who tied for second place with 6.5 points. Promising youngster Kawuma Patricia took home her maiden Ladies category title with a score of 4.5 points. Senyange Mahad outmuscled his compatriots with 5.5 points out of 6 games to take home the Junior's crown. A summary of the link can be found here Link
The 2022 edition proved to be a romantic affair after the love birds IM Ssegwanyi Arthur and Nakabo Peninah won the open and ladies categories consecutively. IM Ssegwanyi Arthur won his third consecutive title in a row with a score of 7.5 points ahead of the quartet of CM Egesa Emmanuel, Peter Majur Manyang, Deng Ateny Riak and FM Haruna Nsubuga while Nakabo Peninah won his maiden Ladies category title with a score of 6 points (the highest scored by a Lady in the open category in the history of this tournament) ahead of WCM Ampaire Shakira and Takali Milly who came second and third consecutively. Nambohe Arnold made history when he scored 7 points out of 7 games to win the Juniors section ahead of the quintet of Kigozi Calvin, Muhumuza Elijah, Kiyimba Mercellino, Ndawula Jonathan and Nsubuga Jayson Mubiru who tied for second place. A summary of the results can be found here link
Credit | Kafuko Paul
Photo
Mr. Lubega, the proprietor of Gloria Gardens poses for a photo with IM Ssegwanyi Arthur and Nakabo Peninah.
Photo
Nakabo Peninah receives her trophy from the Marketing Manager of UAP Insurance.
Bujumbura, Burundi – August 26, 2025 Kireka Chess Club has once again cemented its place as the home of champions after powering Uganda’s stunning success at the 2025 Africa Amateurs Individual Chess Championship in Bujumbura, Burundi. Uganda emerged as the standout nation of the tournament, winning 2 Golds, 2 Silvers, and 1 Bronze, and Kireka’s stars played a central role in this historic achievement.
Kireka’s Golden Stars Shine Bright
At the heart of Uganda’s triumph were Candidate Master (CM) Shoubith Omprakash Kayyar and Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Sana Omprakash Kayyar, both products of Kireka Chess Club’s strong training culture and commitment to excellence.
CM Shoubith Omprakash Kayyar claimed the Gold Medal in the U2000 Open Section with a stellar 6/9 score, earning him the coveted Candidate Master title. His win underscores Kireka’s tradition of nurturing champions ready to conquer the international stage.
WFM Sana Omprakash Kayyar, the defending champion in the U2300 Women’s Section, continued her incredible form, scoring 6/9 to win Silver and a direct qualification to the 2026 World Amateurs Individual Chess Championship. Sana’s consistency and fighting spirit have made her one of Africa’s most respected female players.
Kireka’s impact on the championship extended beyond the podium, with the club’s influence reaching across borders. Madol Garang Panthou Joh, a South Sudanese player sponsored and trained by Kireka Chess Club, secured 2nd place in the U2300 Open Section, achieving the Candidate Master title and qualifying for the 2026 World Amateurs.
Uganda’s Medals: Kireka chess club at the Core
Uganda’s impressive results were a team effort, but Kireka’s contribution was unmatched, producing top-level talent and championing the country’s dominance. Here’s Uganda’s full medal tally:
Player
Section
Medal
Club
CM Shoubith Omprakash Kayyar
U2000 Open
Gold
Kireka Chess Club
WFM Sana Omprakash Kayyar
U2300 Women
Silver
Kireka Chess Club
Kabanda Elvin Bogere
U2000 Open
Bronze
Wampeewo Ntake SS
Mirembe Merceline
U1700 Women
Gold
Olemwa Sports Club
Biyinzika Pauline
U1700 Women
Silver
Olemwa Sports Club
Kireka Chess Club’s impact on the 2025 Africa Amateurs demonstrates why it remains Uganda’s chess powerhouse. The club continues to produce champions, mentor international players, and set the standard for chess excellence in Africa.
The road now leads to Serbia, where WFM Sana Omprakash Kayyar, FM Haruna Nsubuga, and CM Shoubith Omprakash Kayyar will fly the Ugandan flag at the 2025 and 2026 World Amateurs Individual Chess Championships. With this performance, Kireka Chess Club has once again proven that its players are not just competing they are dominating.
“This result is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our players, coaches, and the chess community that supports them. Kireka Chess Club will continue to raise champions and inspire the next generation of chess players across Africa.” – Kaddu Ivan Kireka chess club captain
Kampala, Uganda (Gloria Gardens Namugongo)— International Master Ssegwanyi Arthur reaffirmed his dominance on the regional chess scene by winning the 2025 Kireka Closed Chess Tournament in commanding fashion. Finishing with an impressive 8/9, Ssegwanyi secured the title with a round to spare, cementing his place as the number one player in East and Central Africa.
IM SSegwanyi Arthur the master himself
Trailing behind the champion was FM Kawuma Patrick, who secured second place with a solid performance, while CM Nyola Wasswa Mark completed the podium in third place. The tournament featured a mix of East Africa’s strong juniors and emerging talents, making for a competitive and spirited event.
Mr.Murana Justine hands over prize
Dr Kizito Awards Nyola Wasswa
One of the standout performances came from Muhirwa Alvin, who was awarded Best Junior. His rise has been visible by his stunning victories over FM Nsubuga Haruna and Kamoga Rajab in back-to-back rounds. These upset wins are a clear indication of Alvin’s rapid improvement and growing reputation on the national stage.
Eng Ssesanga awards the juniors
Rapid Section
The Rapid Section of the tournament attracted a competitive field, with the highest-rated participant at 2326 and the lowest-rated participant at 1556. Despite the ratings, the intensity of play was high, and it served as a fertile ground for emerging players to test their mettle against more experienced opponents.
Blitz Section
In the Blitz Section, FM Kawuma Patrick demonstrated his lightning-fast calculation skills to take the top spot. He was closely followed by Wanyama Harold, another prominent figure in Ugandan chess, while Sangalo Moris surprised many by finishing third. Despite a period of inactivity, Moris proved he still possesses the sharpness and instinct that once made him a feared opponent on the board.
Female Recognition
The Best Female Player award went to Sana Omprakash, who showed consistency throughout the tournament. Her presence was a welcome reminder of the growing strength and participation of women in Ugandan chess.
Sana Omprakash Awarded by the national coach FM Wanyama Harold
The 2025 Kireka Closed Chess Tournament was not just a battle for titles, but a celebration of talent, growth, and the unrelenting passion for the game. With stars like Ssegwanyi shining brighter than ever, and juniors like Alvin Muhirwa making their mark, the future of Ugandan chess looks incredibly promising.
Kireka Chess Club held a vibrant Victory Party on April 26th, 2025, at Gloria Gardens, Namugongo, to honor the club’s extraordinary achievements in recent high-profile tournaments. The celebration marked a historic moment: Kireka’s 7th Uganda National Chess League title, cementing the club’s status as the undisputed powerhouse of Ugandan chess.
The joyous gathering brought together club members, supporters, executives from the Uganda Chess Federation, and international well-wishers. The atmosphere was electric with celebration—filled with speeches, awards, music, and laughter—as the club paid tribute to a season of dominance and regional victories.
Kireka Chess club winners lift trophy high once again
At the heart of the celebration were three significant achievements:
IM Arthur Ssegwanyi, Kireka’s flagship player, clinched the 2025 Kantinti Memorial Tournament Open Section title with 5.5/6 points, showcasing his dominance on home soil.
Most powerful chess couple in East Africa Mr and Mrs Ssegwanyi
WFM Sana Omprakash, also representing Kireka, took the crown in the Ladies’ Section of the same tournament, reinforcing the club’s strength in both male and female categories.
MC and Coach Kafuko Paul
Samuel Were, a long-time Kireka player, secured a perfect 6/6 victory at the Bungoma Open in Kenya, a feat made possible through sponsorship from Kireka patron Mr. Were Bob, who personally funded his participation.
Representative Gong thon Gong from sudan gives speech
These victories were not just individual milestones — they reflected the deep bench of talent, mentorship, and unity that defines Kireka Chess Club.
Award presentations to players and contributors, recognizing outstanding performances throughout the season.
Best Female Player – WFM Nakabo Peninah, for her consistent and inspiring performance across tournaments.
Best Male Player – CM Egesa Emmanuel, for his exceptional board results and critical wins throughout the league.
Best Junior Player – Muhirwa Alvin, a rising star whose resilience and growth marked him as one to watch in Ugandan chess.
A special tribute to Mr. Were Bob, the club’s esteemed patron, whose unwavering support continues to elevate Kireka players to regional and international stages. he also quoted Award presentations to the club’s top performers, including personalized plaques and tokens of appreciation.
“Kireka is not just a club—it is a family of champions. These victories reflect our hard work, our unity, and our vision to lead chess development in Uganda and beyond.”
Recognition of team captains and coaches whose leadership was instrumental in guiding the club to its historic seventh Uganda National Chess League title.
Captain MusasiziChess CakeFormer Patron Mr. Lubega wilson receives award
As the celebrations wound down, focus turned to the future. With the National Chess Championship and other FIDE-rated events on the horizon, Kireka Chess Club is more motivated than ever to maintain its momentum.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to mentorship, youth training programs, and regional outreach, ensuring that the club remains a breeding ground for the next generation of chess stars.
Kireka trophies over time
Kireka Chess Club continues to set the standard — not only through competitive excellence but by cultivating a strong community bound by the love of the game.
