Over 200 flip up as Akright chess membership opens doorways at Bwebajja

David GOMBE

Greater than 200 folks turned up on Saturday on the Palm Valley Golf Course in Akright Metropolis, Bwebajja alongside Entebbe Street, for the official launch of the Akright Chess Membership. The turnout introduced collectively residents and non-residents of Akright Metropolis, together with kids, vacation makers, mother and father and chess lovers from surrounding communities.

The visitor of honour was the President of the Uganda Chess Federation, Central Area, Moses Nkonge who spoke about the advantages of chess for each younger and outdated minds.

“Chess teaches the thoughts to suppose earlier than it acts, and that behavior serves a toddler at school simply as a lot because it serves an grownup at work,” the Federation President stated. “What we’re opening right now is just not solely a chess membership. It’s a place the place a complete group can be taught to suppose higher.”

He added that the brand new membership suits immediately into the Federation’s plans for the area.

“The Federation needs not less than three chess golf equipment in each district in Central Uganda,” he stated. “The opening of the Akright Chess Membership strikes us nearer to that purpose, and the Federation will help this membership to develop.”

Nationwide Group Chess Coach, Mathias Ssonko Allan, was additionally in attendance and spoke concerning the alternative the membership creates for residents of Akright and surrounding areas.

“Chess is a sport that unites folks,” Coach Ssonko stated. “This membership will create a household right here in Akright. It’s going to carry togetherness, as a result of the board doesn’t ask the place you come from or how outdated you might be. It solely asks you to take a seat down and play. The chance in entrance of those younger folks could be very huge.”

He stated the sport reaches far past the board.

“Chess will open doorways to the world. I’ve seen it occur with a number of gifted kids, and it’s a huge alternative for the youngsters of Akright.”

The membership is guided by an appearing Govt Committee led by Agnes Asobola, along with fellow founding members Mwanje Nassir, Dr. Eng. Peter Byamugisha, Pr. Asobola Frank, Nicholas Kambale and Carol Mwanje.

“We constructed this membership on three phrases: inclusion, alternative and oneness,” stated Agnes Asobola. “Everybody has a seat on the board, whether or not you’re a youngster taking your first lesson or a participant who has been at it for years. Our doorways are open to the entire group.”

The founding members stated the membership was constructed to serve the entire group, not solely those that already know the sport.

“We’re beginning with what a group wants – a spot to take a seat down, be taught and belong,” stated Mwanje Nassir. “Each member who walks in right here will discover a coach, a board and somebody to play in opposition to.”

The launch additionally attracted Nationwide Group chess gamers [Aine Atubet ] and [Akabo Mike), who said the new club will help push the game further in the country.

“A club like this one is how the game grows,” said  Akabo. “The players who will represent Uganda in ten years are sitting at these boards today.”

Akright City leadership backs the club

The launch also attracted the Akright City leadership, led by the President of Akright City, Simon Kaggwa, who said residents had been excited from the moment they heard a chess club was coming.

“When our residents heard that a chess club was coming to Akright, the excitement was immediate,” the Akright City President said. “This club will be a uniting factor for our people, young and old. Our hope is that it grows into the best club in the region.”

Football academies sign up players

The launch drew interest from football academies in the area, among them Star Hearts Sports Academy. The Academy Director, Isma Mulumba, spoke about the value of chess for young footballers and signed up all the children in his academy to join the club and begin training.

“Chess makes a footballer more focused, more strategic and more resilient,” Mulumba said. “A player who learns to read a chess board learns to read a match. That is why we are bringing all our academy children to this club.”

Parents sign up children on the spot

Parents at the launch were eager to enrol their children, with many signing up before leaving the venue. Some registered children as young as three years old and were not willing to wait for a later date, saying they had been inspired by the very young players who were already playing with confidence.

An AI-powered virtual coaching platform

At the same event, the club unveiled an AI-powered virtual chess coaching platform, which members can access through the club website. The platform allows players to train and build their skills online, alongside coaching from the club’s national-level tutors.

Club officials said the platform was designed for members who cannot always be present physically, so that distance, travel or a busy week does not stop a member from improving.

Tutorials begin in October

The club will begin chess tutorials on Saturday, 3 October 2026. Sessions will run every Saturday morning from 9:00am to 1:00pm at the Palm Valley Golf Course and at the Ark Gardens, both in Akright City, Bwebajja. The month of September has been set aside for membership registration, and all new and returning members have been asked to register before sessions begin.

Coaching will be handled by a team that includes National Team Coach Mathias Ssonko Allan, a FIDE certified trainer. Club officials said the coaching line-up is one of the strongest available in the country.

Club officials said games are open to anyone who wishes to play, and that boards and pieces are provided at the venue, so newcomers do not need to bring their own set. Details of membership and training packages are available from the club.