The new Uganda Chess Federation [UCF] received applause from one of the best in the game, Arthur Ssegwanyi for organizing what he called a ‘successful’ event.
The Executive, elected into office last month saw out the Zone 4.2 African Individual Chess Championship Qualifiers on Sunday with a few shortcomings, leaving the International Master overwhelmed.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Sunday at Makerere University Business School [MUBS], Ssegwanyi said: “I’m impressed. Patrick [Kawuma] and I were skeptical about the qualifiers happening. They [Executive] had just come in office; we thought to ourselves ‘how are they going to pull this off?’ Thankfully, they managed to make it a success. I want to thank them. I think they have done a good job and for me, it was a successful event.”
To those who qualified for the Zone 4.2 African Individual Chess Championships, Ssegwanyi, winner of the annual tournament in 2015 assured them he is available to those who need help from him.
“I’m always available. If any one of you needs help from me, do not hesitate to come. I have been there so I know what it takes to compete at the zonal.”
Fide Masters Patrick Kawuma and Haruna Nsubuga, Thomas Katairo, Joshua Katumba and Allan Mathias Ssonko [Open category] in the ascending order finished in the top five positions to qualify while Ivy Clare Amoko, Penninah Esther Nannozi, Kevin Bennitah Naddya, Shakira Ampaire and Safinah Mugide qualified in the Ladies category.
The tournament is slated to take place next month in Ethiopia.