Kampala University chess player Nyola Mark Wasswa has vowed to fly Uganda’s flag high.

He will accompany the national chess teams as they depart for the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Nyola is part of Uganda’s five-player Open team that will compete at one of the biggest events on the international chess calendar, bringing together close to 400 national teams from across the globe.

Ahead of the team’s departure, the Kampala University player expressed gratitude to the university management for its continued support throughout his chess career, promising to reward that confidence with a strong performance on the international stage.

“I thank the management of Kampala University for the tireless support given to me in my chess career, and I promise that on my way coming back, the Ugandan flag will remain high,” Nyola said.

The chess player also appreciated the support from Ugandan chess fans and promised to give them a performance to be proud of in Samarkand.

“We also appreciate all chess fans out there. We pledge to give you good performance,” he added.

The Ugandan delegation was officially flagged off at the National Council of Sports (NCS) headquarters in Lugogo, Kampala, where players and officials gathered ahead of their journey.

Joseph Oluga, Acting General Secretary for Administration, and Senior Sports Officer Nankya Sarah Anne received the delegation.

Kampala University hosted the delegation.

The team was officially handed the national flag, and the players were urged to represent Uganda with pride and determination on the world stage.

The delegation is led by Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) President Andrew Bakiza, who is set to attend his first Chess Olympiad since taking over the leadership of the federation.

Uganda will field 10 players, with five competing in the Open section and another five representing the country in the Women’s section.

Uganda Open Team

• Kawuma Patrick
• Nyola Mark Wasswa — Kampala University
• Egesa Emmanuel
• Bibasa Bob
• Harold Wanyama

Uganda Women’s Team

• Sana Omprakash K.
• Asiimwe Olivia
• Asaba Juliet
• Ampaire Shakira
• Kawuma Patricia

The Samarkand edition is expected to be one of the largest Chess Olympiads in history, providing Uganda with an opportunity to test its strength against some of the world’s leading chess nations.

Uganda’s participation comes after competing at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, where both the men’s and women’s teams battled through 11 rounds against strong international opposition.

With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, Uganda will be aiming to improve its previous performance and register notable results in Uzbekistan.

For Nyola, the Olympiad represents more than just another international competition. It is an opportunity to showcase his growing talent, repay the faith of Kampala University and contribute to Uganda’s campaign on one of the biggest stages in world chess.

The Ugandan delegation is scheduled to depart tonight for Uzbekistan, with the players carrying the hopes of the country’s chess fraternity and determined to make their mark in Samarkand.