Starting this weekend, Chess giants around the country will be at SOM Chess Academy competing in different categories for national trophies and medals.
This is the third edition of the SOM Easter Open Chess Tournament which is being played at SOM Chess Academy, Katwe in Makindye Division Kampala city starting from morning to evening.
The tournament is bringing together only the cream and talented Chess players from across the country featuring both rated and junior categories.
The tournament is one of the SOM Chess Academy’s mission of transforming the lives of Ugandans through chess by providing a competitive platform that nurtures talent, discipline and strategic thinking especially in this era dominated by social media.
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The tournament will follow a FIDE rated format with 8 rounds and a time control of 90 minutes plus 2 second increment per move.
Robert Katende, the Chief Executive Officer of SOM Chess Academy said that this year’s edition will not witness blitz tournaments to give chances to juniors.
He noted that special attention has been given to the junior category this year insisting that participants will benefit a lot from prizes like Smart watches, Chess boards, learning equipment, trophies and medals
Katende assured participants that lunch is being provided for both days of the equipment because the initiative aims to motivate young players and support their growth both in chess and personal development.
According to Katende the tournament will feature a wide range of prize categories which include: open category (top 7 winners), ladies’ category, differently -abled players, seniors (50 years and above), rating -based prizes (U1900 and U1600).
Katende revealed that cash prizes will be awarded across categories making the total tournament investment of Shs32m which includes prizes, logistics and player support.
Previous winners in this tournament in men in 2024 was Emmanuel Egesa, in 2025 it was Haruna Nsubuga and in the ladies category, it was Patricia Kawuma Joyce Ndrangu who was a Kenyan born.
