Uganda set rewrite Olympiad history

The Uganda Chess Federation is for the first time in history set to send a Ladies team of five alongside the Men’s team to participate in this year’s World Olympiad to be held in Khanty Mansiysk, Russia from 19th September to 4th October 2010. Confirmation of Uganda’s participation follows UCF’s successful acquisition of US$10,000 from well wishers towards purchase of air tickets for the team. The entire Ugandan contingent will comprise of 13 people including five female players, five male players and three officials (two captains for the male and female contingents and one Delegate to attend FIDE Congress meetings).

The team line-up is as follows:

Men
1. Harold Wanyama
2. Patrick Kawuma
3. FM Stephen Kawuma
4. Shadrack Kantinti
5. Bob Bibasa
6. Stephen Kisuze (Captain – Official)

Ladies
1. Ivy Claire Amoko
2. Phiona Mutesi
3. Joan Butindo
4. Grace Kigenyi
5. Rita Nsubuga Nansove
6. Godfrey Gali (Captain – Official)

The Federation’s Chairman, Joe Kaamu is accompanying the team as a Delegate to attend the 81st FIDE Congress.

This is also the first time in many years that Uganda’s participation at the World Olympiad is guaranteed with sponsorship in place well in advance ahead of the event.

Both teams are currently undergoing intensive training in preparation for the Olympiad. The on-going National Chess League is also being used as a competitive platform to keep the Olympiad bound players in good shape.

Uganda’s best performer at the last Olympiad held in Germany, FM Moses Kawuma is the most notable absentee on Uganda’s team after having failed to make it in the qualifiers for this year’s participation.

Vianney Luggya
PUBLICITY SECRETARY