The inaugural Eastern Region Chess Association Grand Prix has attracted 326 players from Uganda and three neighbouring countries, marking a major step in efforts to promote chess at the grassroots. The three-day tournament, which opened on Friday at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja City, has brought together players from across Eastern Uganda alongside competitors from the United States, Tanzania and South Sudan.
Participants are competing in different categories, including the open division and age-group events. The tournament has attracted 138 junior players, some of whom are competing in the open category, as well as children from refugee communities.
The event is part of the Uganda National Chess Federation’s drive to decentralise the sport by taking major competitions beyond Kampala and other traditional chess hubs. Benjamin Mande, the Deputy President of the Uganda National Chess Federation, said the large turnout demonstrates growing interest in chess across the country.
He noted that the tournament has attracted many players from Eastern Uganda, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their talent while competing against experienced local and international players.
Mande said decentralising competitions will help identify talented players who may have previously lacked the opportunity to compete at a high level because of the costs associated with travelling to national tournaments.
He added that similar regional tournaments will be organised across the country to strengthen grassroots development and expand the talent pool for national competitions.
For many participants, the tournament marks their first experience of competitive chess. Sharon Nakato said she learnt the game through her parish priest, who introduced chess lessons after Sunday Mass.
She said the programme ended after the priest was transferred, leaving her with few opportunities to play outside her family.
Nakato said competing in the Grand Prix will help her sharpen her playing skills while improving her critical thinking and decision-making abilities. Eria Kiirya said the tournament offers young players a rare opportunity to compete against experienced opponents and interact with professional coaches.
He expressed hope that regional tournaments would become a regular feature on the national chess calendar to expose more talented players to competitive chess and mentorship opportunities. The tournament runs until Sunday, with outstanding performers expected to receive prizes at the closing ceremony-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
