Three days ago, the first son, Maj. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba donated a sum of USD 3,700 to three pupils of Bridge International Academies who are set to represent Uganda in Zimbabwe at the African Schools Individual Chess Championships starting August 19.
The first son, through his spokesperson Maj. Chris Magezi presented the trio of Kitty Joyce Mary Ndagizimana, Patrick Elijah Muwanguzi and Kevin Paul Wasswa full sponsorship at the school’s premises, and the kids’ trainer John Vianney Mukalazi couldn’t hide his felicity.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the Major General for his kind heart and generous contribution to the team. It is such a huge gesture from him and we are extremely grateful,” Mukalazi who is also Director at Chess Life Academy said.
“Thanks to the media houses too that have given us space for the campaign in search for sponsorship. The value of social media platforms was exploited. It was on social media that the General got to know about us.” He added.
Ndagizimana who has enjoyed overwhelming attention from the media in recent weeks is a familiar face to her fellow juniors. The 6-year-old whacked her opponents as she scooped a gold medal in the U-8 category at the Decoda Annual Junior Chess Championships last month.
She came tops with 5.5 points ahead of Carla Tina Kenyana, the pretournament favorite, beating her to the gong by 1.5 points.
Prior that, the little brain master had won a silver medal at the Premium Junior Chess tourney held in May at Jevine Hotel in the girls’ category. She has been a force to reckon with in the local juniors events.
Colleagues Muwanguzi and Wasswa have shown similar quality. Like Ndagizimana, Wasswa won himself a gold medal at the Decoda Championships and walked away with silver in May at the Premium Junior.
Muwanguzi at the Premium Junior bagged a silver medal and was a bronze medal winner at Decoda last month.
Mukalazi believes the trio is the best to represent the country.
“We start serious training today [Thursday] at 4pm in Nansana. We shall also try to put the team in good shape, keep in good health and effectively prepare for the tournament. We are so privileged; the Sponsorship comes in timely for us to start our training.
“I believe in the team and believe they are the best for this tourney. We hope to deliver results in form of titles and ratings.”
Ndagizimana shall battle for the country’s pride in the category of U-7, while Muwanguzi will play under the category of U-9 and Wasswa will represent the country in the category of U-12.