(Article courtesy of Uganda Chess Federation)
St. Mbuga Vocational Secondary School based in Makindye put up a dominant display to successfully defend the Fr. Grimes National Schools Chess Championship title in both the boys and girls categories.
Uganda's 15 year old Olympian Phiona Mutesi of St. Mbuga Vocational Secondary School ponders her next move
A total of 98 students from five schools participated in the event sub-devided into nine teams for the boys category and four teams in the Ladies category at Busoga College Mwiri from 22nd – 25th April 2011.
In the boys category, St. Mbuga Vocational was inspired by 2008 National Junior Champion Samuel Mayanja to amass a total of 31 points to edge second placed St. Mbuga B at 30 points and third placed SOM Academy at 24.5 points.
The Headmaster of Busoga College Mwiri, Mr. John Mukubira addresses participants before handing over prizes to the winners
Boys’ standings:
1. St. Mbuga Vocational A – 31 points
2. St. Mbuga Vocational B – 30 points
3. SOM Academy – 24.5 points
4. Mwiri A – 23.5 points
5. Jinja College A – 19 points
6. Hope Senior Academy B – 16 points
7. Mwiri B – 13.5 points
8. Jinja College B – 12 points
9. Hope Senior Academy A (Watoto) – 10.5 points
Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were awarded to the best individual performers on each of the four team boards. On board one, St. Mbuga A’s Ivan Mutesasira scooped Gold after notching 8 points in 9 rounds, Silver went to St. Mbuga B’s Benjamin Mukumbya who also scored 8 out of 9 and the Bronze medal went to SOM Academy’s Richard Kato.
On Board two, St. Mbuga A’s Richard Tugume scored 8 points to win Gold as SOM Academy’s Silver Mugwanya got 7.5 points to take the Silver medal and St. Mbuga B’s Arnold Nsumba crowned the medal bracket with Bronze after getting 7 points.
On Board three, St. Mbuga A’ Samuel Mayanja won gold with 8 points, Silver went to St. Mbuga B’s Martin Musinde and Bronze to SOM Academy’s Richard Buyinza.
Brian Mugabi, also of St. Mbuga A took off with Gold on board four as Jinja College’s Joel Emojong and Moses Byamukama won Silver and Bronze respectively.
In the girls’ category competition was even tighter for the top spot and the final results were as follows:
1. St. Mbuga A – 27 points
2. SOM Academy – 26.5 points
3. St. Mbuga B – 10 points
4. Hope Senior Academy – 8.5 points
Board One
Gold – Phiona Mutesi (Olympian), St. Mbuga A, 9/9 points
Silver – Joan Nakimuli, SOM Academy, 6/9 points
Bronze – Bridget Twinomugisha, St. Mbuga B, 3/9 points
Board Two
Gold – Stella Babirye, SOM Academy, 8/9 points
Silver – Irene Kiconco, St. Mbuga A, 5.5/9 points
Bronze – Mariam Nantanda, Hope Senior Academy, 2.5/9 points
Board Three
Gold – Gloria Nansubuga (youngest player), SOM Academy, 8/9 points
Silver – Caroline Nabachwa, St. Mbuga A, 6.5/9 points
Bronze – Dorcas Peace, St. Mbuga B, 3/9 points
Board Four
Gold – Esther Tushemereirwe, St. Mbuga A, 6/9 points
Silver – Martha Namiiro, Hope Senior Academy, 5.5/9 points
Bronze – Vanessa Nakayima, St. Mbuga B, 4/9 points
The next event on the Uganda Chess Federation calendar is the National Junior Chess Championship scheduled for 14th – 15th May 2011. This event attracts players under 20 years and the winner represents the country at an Africa Junior Chess Championship usually held towards the end of year.