Nyola Wasswa Mark, a first-year Bachelor of Information Technology student at Kampala University, has announced his arrival on Uganda’s elite chess scene. He won the Uganda National Chess Championship (Super 12), climbing top players, including International Masters and FIDE Masters, despite being seeded fourth.
“I feel great having won this tournament because it was a tough one for me,” Nyola said. “Being seed number four and fighting against masters — International Masters, FIDE Masters and Candidate Masters — and now I am not a master but I managed to win the tournament. I am looking forward to being number one in the country, winning many events and representing Uganda at the World Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan in September.”
Nyola’s win secures Uganda’s national team spot for the 2026 World Chess Olympiad. His achievement adds to his impressive résumé, including top performances at the 2025 University Games.
He won the Fortebet Real Stars Award for February, alongside footballer Richard Basangwa (NEC FC) and badminton star Shamika Fadilah, who won gold at the All Africa Senior Badminton Challenge. The awards ceremony took place at Molecule Restaurant, Kololo
