The annual Uganda Chess Federation organised event, sponsored by Civil Aviation Authority will be held for the third time in a row and is already registered with FIDE, the world’s chess governing body for rating purposes. It is the last event on this year’s calendar.
Rwabushenyi Memorial defending champion, FM Elijah Emojong will be given a run for his money by Kenya’s Ben Magana, Mathew Kanegeni and Philip Singe among others. The other Kenyan players that have confirmed participation in the event include Chahindi Mbiu, Philip Ouma and Chazima Terrel.
Warren Pollock, a Canadian based in Kenya will also participate in the event that is expected to attract over 100 chess players from the East African region.
The Ugandan challenge for the much coveted Rwabushenyi Memorial Chess crown will be led by National Chess Champion, Arthur Ssegwanyi, who is fresh from winning the 2011 national chess championship.
Haruna Nsubuga, Bob Bibasa and 2009 winner, Harold Wanyama are also expected to put up great shows.
The event will give chess players in Uganda and from the rest of East Africa, a chance to improve on their international ratings, while the unrated wil have a chance of getting international ratings if they perform well.
Competition in the ladies’ category will be mainly between national champion, Grace Kigeni, Christine Namaganda, Gorretti Angolikin, Ivy Amoko and Phiona Mutesi.
Kenya’s FIDE Arbiter, Isaac Babu has also been confirmed to be part of the Arbitration team.