The President of the Chess Federation in Uganda, Andrew Bakiza, has hailed the launch of the inaugural KCB National Schools Chess Tournament as a landmark step in nurturing young talent and strengthening the sport’s future in the country.
The tournament, unveiled at Kampala Parents School, is set for 13 June 2026 and will draw more than 1,000 participants aged between 6 and 20 years from across Uganda.
“This tournament is a big step forward for chess development in Uganda. It gives young players a chance to compete, learn and grow their confidence at an early age,” Bakiza said at the launch.
He stressed that school-based competitions are vital to building a strong national team, adding: “We believe the future of Ugandan chess lies in the schools. Platforms like this help us identify and nurture talent that will represent the country in years to come.”
The initiative has received a major boost from KCB Bank Uganda, which has committed UGX 30 million to support the event.
With strong financial backing and nationwide participation, the tournament is expected to become a permanent fixture on the schools’ sports calendar, promoting chess as both an educational tool and a competitive discipline.
