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.
KAMPALA, UGANDA – The highly anticipated Kireka Open 2025 Chess Championship is set to explode with international firepower as the reigning African Amateurs Chess Champion, Candidate Master (CM) Thomas Zulu from Zambia, confirms his participation!
💥 Unbeaten Streak on the Line CM Zulu, who recently conquered the African continent with a stunning and unbeaten performance of 8.5 points out of 9 at the 2025 African Amateurs Championship, carries a massive wave of momentum and confidence into Uganda.
The question on every chess fan’s mind is simple:
Who will stop the Zambian Chess Commando? Regards, Kireka Chess Club
Kireka Chess Club has once again cemented its position as the undisputed giant of Ugandan chess, winning the National Chess League for the 8th consecutive year. Competing in what is now officially recognized as the biggest and strongest chess league in Africa, Kireka’s dominance continues to inspire and shape the future of the sport on the continent.
With 57 teams, representation from Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan, and more than 500 games played, emerging victorious in such a competitive environment speaks volumes about Kireka’s structure and discipline
The chess Community
Kireka’s success is driven by exceptional leadership both on and off the board. Captains Kaddu Ivan, Sanya Derrick, Kafuko Paul, and Mukose Emmanuel have built a culture rooted in teamwork and consistency. Their guidance has kept the team disciplined, motivated, and tactically sharp throughout the season.
The club also recognizes the crucial role played by patron Were Bob, whose steady support and vision have built Kireka into a model club for Uganda and Africa.
This season, Kireka showcased unmatched depth, winning all three formats of the league:
Classical: 🥇 Kireka A
Rapid: 🥇 Kireka Panthers
Blitz: 🥇 Kireka A
Their second teams, including Kireka Panthers, also performed exceptionally, demonstrating the strength of the entire club—not just the top board.
Kireka lifts the Blitz trophy highKireka lifts the rapid trophy high
Kireka continues to produce some of the brightest stars in Uganda. Junior players Soubith Omprakash, Omprakash Sana, Asaba Julliet , Wabwire Ronald and Muhirwa Alvin were among the season’s top performers, taking home silver and bronze medals respectively in the Best Junior Board category.
WFM Asaba Julliet
WFM Sana Omprakash
Muhirwa Alvin
Soubith Omprakash
Wabwire Ronald
The 2025 victory marks the 8th league title under the tenure of Chairman Mwaka Emmanuel meaning we have won all the teagues under his tenure, reflecting kireka’s domination. As champions, Kireka Chess Club takes home UGX 10 million, awarded thanks to the generous sponsorship from Premier Bet, whose support has continuously strengthened the club’s competitive efforts.
Kireka Salty were 4th missing podium by half a point
Kireka’s unmatched consistency in Africa’s largest chess league serves as a testament to what a united, well-managed, and passionate club can achieve. Their legacy continues to inspire young players, clubs, and coaches across Uganda and beyond.
Kireka A masters im ssegwanyi Arthur, Fm Nsubuga Haruna, Cm Panthom Garang, Cm Egesa Emmanuel faced on with CNA Chess Club to get winner of the league
Kireka Chess Club celebrates yet another milestone victory and thanks all players, coaches, sponsors, and supporters who have been part of this historic journey. The mission continues. The legacy grows. The champions remain Kireka.
FM Egesa Emmanuel
Mande Allan Kireka panthers
Sanya derrick Captain
CM Panthom from SSD
Matovu abel defending champion kireka open
Fm Bob Bibassa
On behalf of the entire Kireka Chess family, we extend our deepest gratitude to our Patron, Mr. Were Bob, for the unwavering support, guidance and generosity you have consistently shown us. Your belief in our players, your commitment to the growth of the club, and your willingness to stand with us in every challenge have been a true source of strength.
You have uplifted our team, inspired our juniors, and elevated the spirit of excellence that defines Kireka Chess Club. Because of your leadership and dedication, we continue to reach new heights both on and off the board.
Thank you, Patron, for everything you have done and continue to do for us. Your impact is deeply felt, and your legacy will always be part of the Kireka story.
Kireka Chess Club is proud to celebrate one of our own, Omprakash Sana Kayyar, who has put her name in African chess history with a great performance at the 2025 African Junior Chess Championship held in Cidade Velha, Cape Verde.
Representing Uganda and Kireka Chess Club, Sana clinched the silver medal in the Girls’ section after nine tough rounds, securing her first Woman International Master (WIM) norm. This landmark result not only confirms her place among Africa’s brightest young talents but also pushes her closer to crossing the 2000 rating mark, a record that would make her the highest-rated female player in East and Central Africa.
Her determination was on full display in the final round, where she held a critical draw against Algeria’s Ryma Nassr, sealing her podium finish. Throughout the event, Sana demonstrated the fighting spirit and resilience that has become her trademark, showing why she is both a national champion and a continental force.
Uganda’s Vice President Otim Isaac summed up the national pride in Sana’s achievement, stating: “Sana is a fighter. Our continental champion. We are very proud of her!”
For us at Kireka Chess Club, her success is deeply personal. Sana has grown within our ranks, carrying the Kireka spirit of hard work, discipline, and excellence onto the continental stage. Her silver medal and WIM norm are not only her individual triumph but also a victory for the entire Kireka family, inspiring every young player who looks up to her journey.
As she now sets her eyes on surpassing the 2000 rating milestone and pursuing greater international titles, we stand firmly behind her. Sana has made Kireka Chess Club, Uganda, and East Africa proud and this is just the beginning.
