The 2024 Kireka Open Chess Championship, proudly organized and hosted by Kireka Chess Club, concluded in spectacular fashion on December 31st at Sports View Hotel, Kireka. This year’s edition reaffirmed the tournament’s reputation as one of Uganda’s premier chess events, drawing top-tier players from across East Africa and beyond, including South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, and Rwanda.
Spanning four days from December 28th to 31st, the event delivered thrilling encounters across all categories. After a dramatic tiebreak showdown, Matovu Abel emerged as the ultimate champion, finishing with an impressive 7/8 points. Despite a shaky start with a first-round loss, Matovu demonstrated unshakable resilience, defeating formidable opponents and clinching victory in the final tiebreak against FM Haruna Nsubuga, who also scored 7/8. Ngong Samuel Gai from South Sudan completed the top three with 6.5 points, edging out Ssonko Matthias on tie-breaks.
The Ladies’ Category was a fierce battlefield, eventually won by Nakabo Peninah with 6.5 points, showcasing both her strength and determination. She was closely pursued by WCM Ndirangu Joyce Nyaruai (Kenya), WFM Sana Omprakash Kayyar, and Kaloki Zuri (Kenya), each scoring 6 points. Ahereza Joan rounded out the top five with 5.5 points.
A major highlight of this year’s edition was the outstanding performance of junior players. Ahumuza Apollo and Ninsiima Patricia claimed top honors in the junior section, with several young participants holding seasoned players to drawn games — a clear testament to the region’s growing chess talent pool.
Other category winners included:
- Shafiq Muhebwa (SOM Academy) – Best Game of the Tournament
- Mawanda Michael – U1900 Section Champion
- Samuel Thon Ayuen – U1800 Category Winner
- Thon Mading Ngang – U1600 Champion
- Kaamu Joseph – 50+ Category Masterclass Winner
The Kireka Open Chess Championship 2024 was not just another event — it was a celebration of strategic brilliance, international camaraderie, and grassroots development, all made possible by the vision and dedication of Kireka Chess Club. Spearheaded by club patron Mr. Were Bob and supported by the Uganda Chess Federation, the tournament has grown to become a staple in the national and regional chess calendar.
With its consistent delivery of top-level organization, diverse participation, and competitive intensity, the Kireka Open continues to fulfill Kireka Chess Club’s mission of elevating chess standards in Uganda and across East Africa.
As the curtains close on this unforgettable edition, one thing is clear — Kireka Chess Club remains at the heart of East African chess excellence.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/108GNsa2-8ZJ4-yWVx1uH4XGzOM6YFw0s?usp=sharing for more photos
Credit: Samuel Were
Kireka Chess Club
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