KU’s Nyola Wasswa Mark Takes Uganda’s Flag To The World Chess Stage
Kampala University student Nyola Wasswa Mark represented Uganda at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking a significant milestone in his chess career and bringing pride to the University community.
Held from 15 to 27 September 2026 at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre, the Olympiad brought together national teams competing in the Open and Women’s sections. Competitive play ran from 16 to 27 September across 11 rounds, providing a global platform for players to test their abilities against international opposition.
Mark earned his place on Uganda’s national team through an impressive domestic campaign. He won the 2026 Uganda National Chess Championship, collecting 8½ points from 11 games and finishing a full point ahead of his closest challengers. His national title secured qualification for the prestigious international team competition.
Competing in the Olympiad’s Open section with an entry rating of 2236, Mark played seven games and finished with 2½ points, recording one victory, three draws and three losses. His campaign exposed him to opponents from China, Mali, Bahrain, Paraguay, Haiti, Algeria and Ethiopia.
His standout result came in Round 10, when he defeated Ethiopia’s Robel Brhane Abrha. He also secured draws against Baba Moulaye Abdalla Maiga of Mali, FIDE Master Maher Ayyad of Bahrain, and Ritchy David Volcimus of Haiti. These results contributed points to Uganda’s campaign in a demanding international field.
The competition also presented formidable challenges. In the opening round, Mark faced China’s Grandmaster Xu Xiangyu, rated 2631, while later encounters included Paraguay’s Candidate Master Juan Uvaldo Heinichen and Algeria’s FIDE Master Khalil Bengherabi. Those contests formed part of a valuable opportunity to compete against experienced international players.
For Kampala University, Mark’s participation illustrates how student talent can progress from university life to national recognition and international competition. His journey offers an encouraging example to fellow students seeking to develop their abilities alongside their academic pursuits.
From winning Uganda’s national championship to competing at the World Chess Olympiad, Nyola Wasswa Mark has achieved an important step in his sporting development. His experience in Samarkand provides a foundation for further growth, while his representation of Uganda gives the Kampala University community an achievement to celebrate.
By Ssekatawa Julius Abubakar
Public Relations Officer, Kampala University