Holistic Junior School dominates Ntare Chess Open Championship

Holistic Junior School Mitooma athletes delivered another commanding performance at the second edition of the Ntare Chess Open Championship, held at Ntare School on Sunday.

P.5 pupil Silver Saturday led the charge, successfully defending his junior category title with 4.5 points out of 7 to claim the sh50,000 top prize. Uganda Martyrs' Kakuru Keith Rutemure followed closely with 4 points (sh40,000), while Holistic Junior's Victor Turyasingura and Augustine Turyatemba shared third place with 3.5 points each (sh 30,000).

"We're proud of our consistent performance in regional and national competitions, which has helped our students secure secondary school scholarships," said Holistic Junior manager Siliano Turyatemba.

In the ladies' category, Kampala International University's Nimaro Agatha Agena claimed victory with 4 points, earning a gold medal and UGX 80,000. A three-way tie for second place saw Mbarara University's Tricia Kukundakwe, Holistic Junior's Maurice Akakunda, and Uganda Martyrs' Nyakato Faith Abamurungi share UGX 70,000 after each scoring 3 points.

The senior category witnessed a thrilling finish as MUST electrical engineering student Leon Kazini emerged champion with 6.5 points (sh200,000), narrowly defeating medical student Amisi Batambuze, Ntare School's Pirwot Opoya, and Wampewo Ntakke coach Calvin Ntumwa, who tied at 6 points to share sh130,000.

Event organiser Ian Nyesiga expressed satisfaction with the tournament's growing appeal, noting participation from 112 players representing clubs, universities, and schools across Mbarara, Bushenyi, Sheema, Mitooma, Ibanda and Ntungamo districts. The championship continues to demonstrate chess's rising popularity in western Uganda while providing a competitive platform for young talents.

Ntare Open Chess results

Winners Junior category

Saturday Silver                    4.5/7

Kakuru Keith Rutemure     4

Victor Turyasingura            3.5

Augustine Turyatemba       3.5

Winners Ladies section

Nimaro Agatha Agena          4

Tricia Kukundakwe               3

Maurice Akakunda               3

Nyakato Faith Abamurungi 3

Winners Open section

Leon Kazini                              6.5

Amisi Batambuze                   6

Pirwot Opoya                          6

Calvin Ntumwa                       6