Kampala University’s Nyola Wasswa Conquers Super 12, Bags Fortebet Real Stars Accolade
Nyola Wasswa Mark Triumphs at National Chess Championship, Clinches February Fortebet Real Stars Award
By Kayiira Jackson
First-year Kampala University student Nyola Wasswa Mark has announced his arrival on Uganda’s elite chess stage after conquering the Uganda National Chess Championship (Super 12) held at Sport View Hotel in Kireka in February.
The Bachelor of Information Technology student outwitted a strong field that included International Masters, FIDE Masters and Candidate Masters to emerge overall winner, despite entering the tournament as the fourth seed. The championship also served as a selection ground for Uganda’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Chess Olympiad set to be hosted in Uzbekistan this September.
“I feel great having won this tournament because it was a tough one for me,” Nyola said after his triumph. “Being seed number four and fighting against masters — International Masters, FIDE Masters and Candidate Masters — and now I am not a master but I managed to win the tournament. I am looking forward to being number one in the country, winning many events and representing Uganda at the World Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan in September.”
Nyola’s latest achievement adds to an already impressive résumé. He was among the top performers for Kampala University during the 2025 University Games hosted by Uganda Christian University in Mukono, underlining his steady rise through the ranks.
His outstanding February campaign earned him the Fortebet Real Stars Award for the month, where he edged December winner Sana Omprakash and Olivia Assimwe to claim the accolade.
In football, the monthly award went to Richard Basangwa, the prolific forward at NEC FC, who saw off competition from Rogers Omedwa of Entebbe UPPC FC and Milton Karisa, captain of Vipers SC.
Meanwhile, badminton star Shamika Fadilah was also recognised following her gold medal feat at the All Africa Senior Badminton Challenge. She finished ahead of Tracy Naluwooza and Arafat Tendo Kibirige in the February voting.