Sports 5 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bank of Baroda Powers Fr Grimes Chess Tourney with Solar Panels and Funding
Bank of Baroda sponsored the 35th Fr Grimes Chess Championship with Shs5.6 million and donated solar panels to top schools, promoting clean energy alongside the competition. The event at Ntare School in Mbarara drew nearly 100 schools and highlighted emerging talents upsetting established champions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/chess-baroda-gives-fr-grimes-tourney-clean-energy-5447570
The 35th edition of the Father Grimes Chess Championship took place at Ntare School in Mbarara, marking the first time the tournament was held in western Uganda. Running from May 2 to May 7, it featured nearly 100 primary and secondary schools competing fiercely.
Emerging players like Patricia Kawuma from Gombe High School, Kur Akut Deng from St. Cyprian Kyabakadde, Juliette Asaba from Sister Miriam Duggan, and Wabwire Ronald from Sister Miriam Duggan Primary School shone brightly, challenging seasoned competitors.
Bank of Baroda elevated the prizes by offering solar panels and inverters to the overall winning schools, a move to encourage renewable energy use. Chandan Singh, the bank’s managing director, presented the panels to Uganda Chess Federation president Andrew Bakiza in Kampala, stressing the importance of supporting education, sports, and environmental initiatives.
The bank also provided Shs5.6 million to support the event’s organization. Bakiza praised the partnership as a ‘win-win’ for players and schools, adding sustainable energy solutions to traditional medals and trophies.
Named after Fr Damian Grimes, who spread chess across Ugandan schools over decades, the tournament rotates hosts—previous editions were at St Mary’s College Kisubi (2023), St Mark’s College Namagoma (2024), and Our Lady of Africa S.S. Namilyango (2025). Plans are underway to regionalize it further per the National Sports Act 2023.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)