Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Participants at the 3rd edition of the Western region Chess Open
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MBARARA CITY
The sport of chess is slowly but steadily growing in popularity in western Uganda.
There has been a noticeable increase in the number of clubs and schools embracing the game since the inception of the regional executive led by Ian Nyesiga last year.
To sustain this momentum, the local governing body, Uganda Chess Federation (UCF), has granted the region hosting rights for the Fr. Grimes National Schools Chess Championship, the premier schools’ chess event in the country.
Participants at the 3rd edition of the Western region Chess Open
Since its inception, this event has been held in central Uganda. Hosting it upcountry for the first time—specifically in Mbarara—signals a deliberate effort to expand the sport nationwide.
“We are privileged to be the first region outside central Uganda to host this event. This encourages us to continue developing the sport. I therefore call upon all schools to participate in large numbers and take part in the championship,” Nyesiga noted.
Happy Participants of Rutoto SS
The western region recently held its third edition of the Chess Open at Ntare School. According to Nyesiga, this event served not only as a regional championship but also as preparation for the upcoming national competition.
“We organized it both as our regional tournament and as a preparatory event for the national championship in May. It was encouraging to see a large turnout, and many participants promised to return for the national competition,” he added.
The winners of the 3rd edition of the Western region Chess Open
The Fr. Grimes Chess Tournament is Uganda’s largest annual national schools chess championship, organized by the Uganda Chess Federation. It attracts talented school-going players from across the country who showcase their skills each year. 
The winners of the 3rd edition of the Western region Chess Open
Founded in the 1980s by the late Damian Grimes at Namasagali College, the event is held in memory of the former head teacher and pioneer of chess in Ugandan schools.
The tournament is rated by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), which attracts participants across both the open and girls’ categories.
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