Uganda’s push to broaden the reach of competitive chess will take a significant step forward this week when a differently abled team from SOM Chess Academy in Katwe-Makindye travels to Uzbekistan to compete at the upcoming Chess Olympiad.
The seven-member contingent, comprising six players and coach Wilson Mugwanya, was flagged off on Wednesday at the National Council of Sports (NCS) headquarters in Lugogo by Assistant General Secretary in charge of Technical Matters, Milton Chebet.
The differently abled team will fly out later today for the nine-day event, which runs from September 10 to 18, ahead of the main Chess Olympiad scheduled for September 15 to 28.
The participation represents an important milestone for Uganda’s differently abled chess community, providing the players with an opportunity to test themselves against competitors from different parts of the world while gaining valuable international exposure.
Chebet urged the players to approach the competition with confidence and a strong sense of national pride.
“I’m thankful to the chess federation for the good international representation. To the players, go and play with pride and determination to lift our flag high,” Chebet said.
The delegation will be followed by Uganda’s main Olympiad team, comprising six men and six women, which will be flagged off on Friday.
Andrew Bakiza Nkwasibwe will serve as head of delegation for the main team, with the squad bringing together a blend of experienced and emerging players.
SOM Chess Academy Director Robert Katende expressed optimism about Uganda’s prospects, saying the teams are heading to Uzbekistan with determination and pride.
The two delegations, alongside two arbiters and other officials, will bring Uganda’s total representation at the two events to 25 people.
Beyond the competition itself, the participation of the differently abled players underlines the growing potential of chess as an inclusive sport, creating a platform for persons with disabilities to develop their abilities, gain international exposure and compete at the highest level.
Uganda’s PWDs Olympiad Team
Wilson Mugwanya — Coach
Ezekiel Masiko
Enock Seguya
Sharif Wasswa Mbaziira
Hannah Musinguzi Nakamya
Augustine Etyangat
Mbabani Allan
Uganda’s Main Chess Olympiad Delegation
Andrew Bakiza Nkwasibwe — Head of Delegation
Bob Bibasa
Emmanuel Egesa
Harold Wanyama
Juliet Asaba
Mark Wasswa Nyola
Mathias Allan Ssonko
Olivia Asiimwe
Patricia Kawuma
Patrick Kawuma
Sana Kayyar
Saritha Omprakash Kayyar
Shakira Ampaire
Sheba Valentine Naisanga
Shriyam Kayyar
