By Daniel Nyeko
Uganda has been granted hosting rights for the 17th edition of the African Youth Chess Championship (AYCC) by the African Chess Confederation (ACC).
The announcement was made by ACC President Madam Tshepiso Lopang of Botswana during the ACC Delegates’ Conference held alongside the 16th edition of the AYCC in Harare, Zimbabwe. Uganda Chess Federation received unanimous endorsement from the ACC Executive and delegates present.
Lopang expressed confidence in Uganda’s ability to deliver a successful event, citing the country’s proven track record in hosting continental tournaments.
“She’s extremely excited for Uganda to host this event. They have successfully hosted tournaments before, and I am familiar with their team and capabilities. She’s looking forward to a great championship,” Lopang said.
She also encouraged the host nation to begin preparations early and to incorporate lessons from the Harare reviews. Lopang noted that timely handling of registration and regulations would be key to allowing adequate preparation for participants.
Uganda was represented in Harare by outgoing Uganda Chess Federation president Eng. Emmanuel Mwaka and General Secretary Patrick Ojok, who led the Ugandan delegation at the championship.
Mwaka described the hosting rights as a major milestone for the sport in the country. “This is our first time hosting the African Youth Chess Championship, and we are committed to delivering one of the best AYCC events in Africa’s history,” he said.
Ojok echoed Mwaka’s sentiments, highlighting the wider impact of the tournament. He said hosting the championship in Uganda will create more opportunities for women and girls to compete at the continental level, as UCF continues to use chess as a tool for social transformation.
Uganda’s strong showing at the 16th African Youth Chess Championship, where the team finished third overall despite fielding only 18 players, has further boosted optimism ahead of the 2026 event. The date and venue for the championship are yet to be confirmed, although the AYCC is traditionally held in the second half of the year.
