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Board 1 action, AIM Wagodo Abdul Shakur(right), the eventual overall winner, takes on Batambuze Amisi Grace of Mbarara University.
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By Our Reporter
Mbarara —
It was a dramatic end to the one-day Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) Chess Open, as the third edition of the tournament concluded over the weekend with several ties at the top positions across categories. The competition, which attracted participants from across Western and Central Uganda and one team from South Sudan, saw intense battles in the Under-16 (Junior), Women’s, and Open categories.
Mzee Kaamu Joseph (red) in action
In the Junior Category, three players—Saleh Muhumuza (Mbarara High School), Edgar Ayamba (St. Joseph’s Vocational School), and Edson Amanya (St. Joseph’s Vocational School)—each scored 5 points, tying for first place. The trio shared the UGX 100,000 top prize, taking home UGX 33,000 each.
Similarly, in the Women’s Category, Daphine Munnu, Agatha Agena Nimaro (KIU–Ishaka), and Tricia Kukundakwe (MUST) all tied with 5 points, sharing the combined total of UGX 220,000 meant for the top three positions. Each walked away with UGX 73,000.
Kukundakwe Tricia, Ladies' team captain MUST, receiving her bronze medal after finishing third in the ladies category MUST Chess OPEN
In the Open Category, AIM Wagodo Abdul Shaku and Gift Wagaba both tied with 6.5 points, splitting the top prize, while Naboth Tayebwa came in third with 6 points.
According to the FIDE (International Chess Federation) guidelines, prize money is shared equally in the event of a tie. However, medals are not shared — they are awarded based on additional tiebreaker criteria such as performance rating and strength of opponents.
Bronze Medalist in the open section Tayebwa Naboth receiving certificate and prize from Agaba Stewart, chairperson Sports Union , MUST
The 3rd edition, organized by the MUST Chess Club, recorded its highest-ever turnout with 126 participants from clubs and schools, signaling the growing popularity of the sport in the region.
“We are very privileged to have successfully organized this third edition,” said Stuart Agaba, the MUST Sports Leader. “The turnout was encouraging, and we aim to continue promoting chess so that the regional federation can grow as well. We appreciate all schools and clubs that have consistently supported this event.”
Amanya Edson third place Junior category,from JOVOC receiving his certificate,medal and prize
Sylian Turyatemba, Director of Holistic Junior School Mitooma, said such competitions are vital not only for promoting chess but also for improving learners’ academic performance. “Chess sharpens the mind and helps children develop critical thinking and focus, which are key to academic excellence,” she said.
The sport continues to gain traction across Western Uganda, with many schools now including chess in their extracurricular programs as it becomes a recognized competitive discipline at secondary school level.
2nd position, JUNIOR CATEGORY, Ayamba Edgar from St Josephs Vocational School
Winner Ladies' Category Munnu Daphine receiving her cheque
