Blog Posts

Uganda’s Omprakash Sana Kayyar Shines: Silver Medal, WIM Norm at African Juniors 2025

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.

credit: Samuel Were

Kireka Chess Club Leads Uganda’s Dominance at the 2025 Africa Amateurs Individual Chess Championship

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:

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

Credit Samuel Were (Kireka Chess Club)

SSEGWANYI ARTHUR WINS KIREKA CLOSED CHESS TOURNAMENT 2025.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Credit Were Samuel

Kireka Chess Club