Nambansi, Nampiima crowned the 2024 Som Inter-Project Chess Champions

Under the theme “One Move at a Time” Som Chess Academy has continued to transform lives through chess since the organization’s establishment in 2004.

On Thursday, 19th December 2024, the 17th edition of Som Annual Inter-Project Chess tournament climaxed at the Som Kiwawu Project facility.

Katwe’s Solomon Nambansi emerged the overall winner of the championship.

Nambansi garnered 7.5 points the smile home with a Gold, medal, cash and a trophy.

While addressing the media, champion Nambansi said;

“It has been a highly competitive championship but I thank God for the triumph.

All participants were too defensive and aggressive. Too solid on each move and indeed it was worth a sweat and time.

I have worked so hard for this triumph through secret and personal trainings which have yielded today”.

Richard Kato also from Katwe won a Silver in the second position with 7 points while Sharif Ssenabulya took home a Bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Valeria Nampiima emerged the overall winner in the girls category with five (5) points.

This year’s edition attracted a total of 173 participants from ten (10) projects of the Som Organization.

Som founder Robert Katende decried the financial hardship they faced during the preparation steps of the championship.

“It has been a bit challenging this time and I confirm it has become the most difficult of all editions.

We almost thought about not carrying it out because of money.

However, despite the financial strains, it has been a success much as we didn’t afford to bring the number of participants we wanted”. Richard Katende.

Uganda Chess Association (UCA) General Secretary Patrick Ojok was the chief guest.

Bright Muke the UCA in-charge of schools chess, chairman Board of directors Som Organization Fred Barungi and coaches from the ten projects were also in attendance.

BACKGROUND

Som Chess Academy is an out spring of Katende Initiative, a charity organization idea born in 2004 to basically transform lives and give hope through chess under the theme “One Move at a Time”.

The Kiwawu Project facility sits on 13 acres of land accommodating a healthy facility, garden/food plantations, a soccer pitch, cottages for visitors two conference hall and hostels.