Akright City Joins Uganda’s Chess Map with Grand Club Launch
By Kayiira Jackson
The chess enthusiasts, parents, children and residents turned up at Palm Valley Golf Course in Akright City, Bwebajja, on Saturday for the official launch of the Akright Chess Club.
The launch attracted chess personalities, community leaders and young players, with Central Uganda Regional Chess Association President and veteran player Moses Nkonge serving as the guest of honour.
Nkonge emphasised the role of chess in developing critical thinking among young people and pledged support for the new community club.
Also in attendance were Akright City founders Dr Anatoli Kamugisha and Rtn Alex Kamukama, City President Simon Kaggwa, Vice President Baker Nyakaana and Information Minister Shyaka Mbanda.
The launch brought together several prominent chess players, including Olympian CM Egesa Emmanuel, former Olympian Isaac Munanira, former Olympian and WCM Takali Milly, veteran player Mike Akabo, Africa Youth U10 bronze medallist Talia Atubet and top junior player Aine Atubet.
One of the youngest notable players was Sean Mulema Wavamunno, recognised among the highest-rated players in the U08 category. Other experienced juniors present included Sonia Arinda and Mathew Amanya.
National Team coach Mathias Ssonko Allan said the new club would provide more than just a place to play chess.
“Chess is a sport that unites people. This club will create a family here in Akright. It will bring togetherness, because the board does not ask where you come from or how old you are. It only asks you to sit down and play.”
Ssonko also encouraged young players to embrace the opportunities offered by the sport.
“Chess will open doors to the world. I have seen it happen with several talented children, and it is a massive opportunity for the children of Akright.”
The club is led by an acting Executive Committee headed by Commissioner Agnes Asobola, alongside founding members Counsel Mwanje Nassir, Dr Eng Peter Byamugisha, Pr Asobola Frank, Nicholas Kambale and Carol Mwanje.
Asobola said the club’s vision is centred on making chess accessible to everyone.
“We built this club on three words, inclusion, opportunity and oneness. Everyone has a seat at the board, whether you are a child taking your first lesson or a player who has been at it for years. Our doors are open to the whole community.”
The launch also attracted football stakeholders, with Star Hearts Sports Academy director Isma Mulumba signing up the academy’s children for chess training.
“Chess makes a footballer more focused, more strategic and more resilient. A player who learns to read a chess board learns to read a match. That is why we are bringing all our academy children to this club,” Mulumba said.
Parents also took advantage of the launch to register their children, with some enrolling youngsters as young as three years old.
The club further unveiled an AI-powered virtual chess coaching platform to enable members to train online when they cannot attend physical sessions.
Formal tutorials will begin on Saturday, October 3, 2026, running every Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm at Palm Valley Golf Course and Ark Gardens in Akright City.
September has been designated as the registration month.