Blog Posts

KIREKA CHESS CLUB WINS 2025 PREMIER BET UGANDA CHESS LEAGUE IN STYLE SWEEPING ALL FORMATS- Extends Its Legacy to 8 Consecutive National League Titles

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

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 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.

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’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 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.

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.

credit: Samuel Were

Photo Credit Ivan Mukuye

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)