Uganda shines at Africa Youth Chess Championships in Harare

Uganda’s young chess stars delivered an impressive performance on day two of the ongoing Africa Youth Chess Championships in Harare, Zimbabwe, securing top spots in three categories.

Sana Omprakash (U18), Daniel Odokonyero (U14), and Apollo Ahumuza (U12) all climbed to the summit of their respective tables after collecting maximum points from their opening three matches.

Women’s FIDE Master (WFM) Sana Omprakash, ranked number two in Africa, defeated South Africa’s fifth-ranked Amrouni Alexia before outclassing Botswana’s WFM Banda Natalie on board one. Her flawless run has placed her firmly at the top with four points from four matches.

Uganda’s other U18 competitor, Edwin Pido, bounced back from a loss to Africa’s number one, FM Sharon Rafael of Zambia, with a morale-boosting victory over South Africa’s Yan Weilun.

In the U14 category, Odokonyero impressed with a win against South Africa’s Maruma Kamogelo, while Ahumuza dominated fellow Ugandan Oyang Sankara on board two to lead the U12 standings. However, Odokonyero later suffered his first defeat at the hands of Kenya’s David Warimwe, ranked third in the U14 category, while Ahumuza was held to a draw by Zimbabwe’s Ihude Omunujok.

Uganda also boasts strong contenders in other categories. Soubith Omprakash (U16), Suhana Ani Yadav (U12), Ronald Wabwire (U12), and Talia Atubet all sit in second place after maintaining winning runs through three rounds. Soubith drew his fourth game against Zimbabwe’s Matyire Prosper, slipping to third position.

Last year’s AYCC bronze medalist, Talia Atubet, remains unbeaten, extending her winning streak to four victories out of four in the U10 category.

Other Ugandan youngsters also registered wins on day two, including Elvis Tumusiime (U10), Kagoda Aaron, Ernest Kiggundu, and Mulema Sean (U8), Omara Samora and Juliet Asaba (U14), and Dasha Zalwango (U16).

Uganda’s strong showing across multiple age groups highlights the country’s growing reputation in youth chess and sets the stage for an exciting finish to the championships.

Results
U18 category
Sharon Rafael (ZAM) 1-0 Edwin Pido (UG)
Sana Omprakash (UG) 1-0 Amrouni Alexia (SA)

U16 Category
Gwanzura Alisha ( ZIM) 0-1 Dasha Zalwango (UG)
P. Shivashai (MAW) 0-1 Soubith Omprakash(UG)

U14 category
Daniel Odokonyero (UG) 1-0 M. Kamogelo (SA)
Froom Gabriel (SA) 0-1 Omara Samora (UG)
Asaba Juliet (UG) 1-0 Beecum Viha (SA)

U12 category
Miriti Angela (KE) 0-1 Suhana Anil (UG)
Moyo Nompumelelo (ZIM) 1-0 Anabel Kirabo (UG)
Apamoshem Mali (KE) 0-1 Ronald Wabwire (UG)
Ahumuza Apollo (UG) 1-0 Oyang Sankara (UG)

U10 category
Talia Atubet (UG) 1-0 Patience Chepkoiwo (KE)
M. Kukundakwashe (ZIM) 0-1 E. Tumusiime (UG)

U8 Category
Psalm Nicole (UG) 0-1 Faith Malemane (SA)
Juma myles (MAW) 0-1 Aaron Kagoda (UG)
Ernest Kiggundu (UG) 1-0 Zhao Tonny (ZIM)
Mulema sean (UG) 1-0 C. Kudakwase (ZIM)