Kampala University Chess Star Nyola Wasswa Ready to Fly Uganda Flag in Uzbekistan
By Kyeyune Ali
Kampala University chess player Nyola Mark Wasswa is confident of delivering a strong performance for Uganda as the national chess teams depart for the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Nyola is part of Uganda’s five-player men’s team that will represent the country at the prestigious global competition, which brings together hundreds of national teams from across the world.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, Nyola expressed gratitude to Kampala University management for its continued support of his chess career, promising to make the institution and country proud on the international stage.
“I thank the management of Kampala University for the tireless support given to me in my chess career, and I promise that on my way coming back, the Ugandan flag will remain high,” Nyola said.
He also appreciated the support from Ugandan chess enthusiasts and pledged a strong performance in Uzbekistan.
“We also appreciate all chess fans out there. We pledge to give you good performance,” he added.
The Ugandan teams were officially flagged off at the National Council of Sports (NCS) headquarters in Lugogo, where the players and officials gathered in high spirits ahead of their journey.
The delegation was received by NCS Assistant General Secretary for Administration, Joseph Oluga, who is currently serving as Acting General Secretary, alongside Senior Sports Officer Nankya Sarah Anne.
The national flag was officially handed over to the team, accompanied by a charge to represent Uganda with pride on the world stage.
The delegation is led by Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) President Andrew Bakiza, with the trip marking his first Chess Olympiad since taking leadership of the federation.
Uganda will field five players in the Open section and five in the Women’s section at the Olympiad.
Uganda Men’s Team — Open
- Kawuma Patrick
- Nyola Mark Wasswa — Kampala University
- Egesa Emmanuel
- Bibasa Bob
- Harold Wanyama
Uganda Women’s Team
- Sana Omprakash K.
- Asiimwe Olivia
- Asaba Juliet
- Ampaire Shakira
- Kawuma Patricia
The Samarkand Olympiad has attracted close to 400 national teams, making it one of the biggest editions in the history of the prestigious global chess event.
Uganda’s participation builds on its appearance at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, where both the men’s and women’s teams faced strong international opposition over 11 rounds.
With experienced players joined by emerging talent, Uganda will be hoping to improve on its previous showing and register notable results against some of the world’s strongest chess nations.
For Nyola, the tournament offers another opportunity to showcase his talent on the global stage and repay the confidence placed in him by Kampala University and the Ugandan chess fraternity.
The Ugandan delegation is scheduled to depart tonight, with the players heading to Uzbekistan determined to push Uganda’s colours high at one of the world’s biggest chess gatherings.