Egypt Dominates 17th Africa Youth Chess Championship in Uganda

Egypt finished at the top of the medal table with an outstanding 11 medals, including six gold, four silver, and one bronze. Their young stars delivered impressive performances in multiple age categories and confirmed Egypt’s dominance in African youth chess.

Sameir Mahmoud Creates Biggest Surprise of the Tournament

One of the most exciting stories came in the Under-8 Open section. Egypt’s Sameir Mahmoud shocked everyone by winning the gold medal despite being seeded only 39th.

His incredible run proved that anything can happen in chess once the games begin. Kenya’s Kirega Rayvon won silver, while Kariuki Matthias secured bronze.

Uganda Celebrates Strong Home Performance

Host nation Uganda also enjoyed a memorable championship.

In the Under-8 Girls category, Jacinta Mbabazi produced a fantastic performance to win gold for Uganda. She finished tied on 8/9 points with Kenya’s Jasmine Aaliyah but won the title on tiebreaks. South Africa’s Khethelo Mlaba took bronze.

Uganda continued their success in several other categories throughout the event.

Egypt Shines in Under-10 Categories

Top seed Tawfeik Said dominated the Under-10 Girls section and won gold with 8/9 points. Uganda claimed both silver and bronze medals in the event.

In the Under-10 Open category, Egypt’s Ezaat Ahmed scored 8.5 points to capture another gold medal for his country. Kenya once again finished with silver and bronze.

Kenya and Uganda Grab Important Titles

Kenya’s WCM Winnie Kaburo played brilliantly to win the Under-12 Girls title with an impressive score of 8/9 points.

Egypt’s Mohamed Ahmed earned silver, while Madagascar’s Nivo Tsinjovintavo won bronze and made history for her country.

In the Under-12 Open section, Uganda’s Ronald Wabwire thrilled the home fans by scoring 8/9 points to win gold. Kenya’s Nathaniel Manyeki and Faraja Muli completed the podium.

Madagascar and Angola Impress

Madagascar’s Aina Tsinjovintavo caused one of the biggest surprises of the championship by winning the Under-14 Girls title with eight points.

In the Under-14 Open section, Egypt’s Mustafa Ahmed and Angola’s Nsimba Wela both finished with eight points. Mustafa claimed gold thanks to better tiebreaks, while Zambia’s Twalumba Sianyinda secured bronze.

Uganda and Kenya Continue Their Rise

Kenya’s WCM Elizabeth Cassidy Maina added another major title to her growing career by winning the Under-16 Girls section. Last year, she had already captured the Under-14 title in Zimbabwe.

Uganda celebrated another gold medal after sixth-seeded Alvin Muhirwa won the Under-16 Open category with 7.5 points.

Egypt Finishes Championship in Style

Egypt’s Zaki Mohamed won the Under-18 Girls title ahead of former champion Omprakash Sana. Kenya’s Bella Nashipae took bronze.

The Egyptians ended the tournament strongly by dominating the Under-18 Open section. Ahmed Kandil won gold, while Eyad Elhusseiny secured silver. Kenya’s Kennedy Shane finished with bronze.

Kenya Brings Largest Delegation

This year’s Africa Youth Chess Championship featured more than 900 players from across the continent. Kenya brought the largest delegation to the event, showing the country’s growing investment in youth chess.

Emotional Tribute to Ugandan Chess Legends

The closing ceremony was filled with emotion as the African Chess Confederation celebrated its 50th anniversary by honoring the pioneers of Ugandan chess.

ACC President Tshepiso Lopang presented awards and certificates to families and officials who helped build organized chess in Uganda.

Honored Personalities

• Paul Bitarabeho received a posthumous award for serving as Chairperson of the Uganda Chess Federation.
• Dr Yusuf Mpairwe received a posthumous award as one of the federation’s founding members.
• Lawrence Kapanga received a posthumous award as the founding General Secretary.
• Daniel Nsibambi received a certificate of recognition for his service as President of the Uganda Chess Federation.
• David Muwanika was recognized for his contributions as a respected chess administrator.
• Allan Mbabani was honored for founding Bani Chess Bulletin, a major chess media platform in Africa.
• New Vision received recognition for promoting chess coverage in Uganda.
• Namibia Broadcasting Corporation was also honored for supporting chess coverage across the continent.

The championship once again highlighted the rapid growth of youth chess in Africa and showcased many future stars of the game.