OUR STUDENTS SHINE ON THE NATIONAL STAGE AT THE 2026 FATHER GRIME CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Naalya Students Shine on the National Stage at the 2026 Father Grimes Chess Championships in Mbarara

The 36th edition of the prestigious Father Grimes National Schools Chess Championship brought together 230 teams from 186 primary and secondary schools across Uganda, converging at Ntare School in Mbarara City for a week of intense strategic battles. Among them were the proud representatives of Naalya Secondary School, with talented students from both the Namugongo and Bweyogerere campuses carrying the school's flag high in what has become Uganda's largest annual national schools chess championship.

Organised by the Uganda Chess Federation, the 2026 championship took place from May 2 to May 6 and marked a historic milestone: for the first time, this iconic tournament moved outside central Uganda to the western region, hosted by the legendary Ntare School. Themed "Chess for Financial Inclusion," the event was sponsored by the Bank of Uganda, Bank of Baroda, and Diamond Trust Bank, with winning schools receiving solar panels, trophies, medals, and certificates.

Naalya Namugongo: Seasoned Competitors Rise to the Occasion

The Namugongo campus fielded multiple teams in the Secondary Open category, testament to the depth of chess talent being cultivated at the school. Naalya SS Namugongo's Team C demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the gruelling nine-round Swiss-system tournament, completing the championship with a strong showing. Their players delivered standout individual performances, with Watasa Moses emerging as the team's top scorer with an impressive 6.5 points out of 9 games, while Ssematimba Ian contributed 6 points, and Jaboth Enock added 4.5 points to the team's total.

The Namugongo campus also fielded a girls' team that competed admirably, with Nantale Gloria anchoring the side and demonstrating the school's commitment to inclusivity and the development of female talent in chess. This balanced approach reflects Naalya's broader philosophy of nurturing excellence across all student groups. The Namugongo students' participation built on the school's growing reputation in chess, which in 2025 saw them secure an impressive second-place finish at the Dove Junior Chess Championship.

Naalya Bweyogerere: Determination and Skill on Display

Not to be outdone, the Bweyogerere campus also made its presence felt in the Secondary Open category. Competing as Naalya SS Bweyogerere, the team showed great determination across all nine rounds, finishing with a competitive score of 16.5 game points and 10 match points—a performance that placed them among the notable contenders in a fiercely competitive field.

The individual contributions were equally praiseworthy. Kiwanuka Jolly led the charge with a commanding 6 points from 8 games, while Kirya Ernest added a solid 4 points from 7 games. Suuna Simon contributed 3.5 points from a full 9-game schedule, and Beguya Joshua Jessy chipped in with 3 points. Every half-point was earned through hours of concentration and strategic thinking, and each player returned from Mbarara with invaluable experience that will serve them in future competitions.

The Bweyogerere campus, a mixed day and boarding school situated in Kira Town Council, Wakiso District, has been steadily building its sporting profile alongside its academic programmes. The chess team's performance at this national event signals the school's growing commitment to developing well-rounded students.

A Tournament Steeped in Legacy and Purpose

The Father Grimes National Schools Chess Championship is far more than a competition—it is a celebration of a remarkable legacy. The tournament honours the late Father Damian Grimes, the British head teacher at Namasagali College who pioneered chess in Ugandan schools during the 1980s. His decades of service laid the foundation for what has become the country's premier inter-school chess event. Father Grimes passed away in September 2024 at the age of 93 in Southport, England, and his body was interred at Namasagali College in Kamuli District, Uganda—a final testament to his profound bond with the country.

Uganda Chess Federation President Andrew Bakiza described the championship as a critical platform for both competition and player development. "Taking this championship to Ntare School Mbarara is one of the ways we are using it as a federation trying to take chess to the grassroots," Bakiza said, adding that the event nurtures young talent and enhances Uganda's competitiveness on the international stage.

The tournament format—a nine-round Swiss system with teams of five players each—ensures that every school competes across the full duration, testing not only skill but endurance and mental resilience. Categories included Primary Open, Secondary Open, and Secondary Girls, promoting inclusivity and balanced competition.

More Than a Competition: Building Character and Life Skills

For the Naalya students who travelled to Mbarara, the championship represented far more than an opportunity to win medals. Chess is widely recognised for developing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, patience, and strategic planning—skills that translate directly into academic success and personal growth. The experience of competing against peers from across the country, adapting to different playing styles, and managing the pressure of timed competition builds confidence and character.

The 2026 championship also served as a selection platform for schools to represent Uganda at international events, adding an extra layer of significance to every game played. The championship is rated by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), meaning every move the students made contributed to their official international ratings and opened doors for future competitive opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The performances of the Naalya Namugongo and Bweyogerere students at the 2026 Father Grimes National Schools Chess Championship reflect the dedication of both the players and their coaches. While the competition was fierce—with schools like St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High School, Ntare School, and other chess powerhouses fielding strong teams—the Naalya contingent held their own with commendable spirit and skill.

As these young players return to their campuses, they carry with them not just match scores but memories of teamwork, sportsmanship, and the pride of representing Naalya Secondary School on the national stage. Their journey to Mbarara is an inspiration to fellow students and a reminder that with discipline, focus, and the right support, students from any school can compete among the best in the country.

The Naalya community celebrates these achievements and looks forward to even greater success in the Father Grimes championships to come. To every player who sat across the board and gave their best—the school is proud of you. The chessboard is set for an even brighter future.