National Executive Committee
Born in 1973, Andrew Nkwasibwe Bakiza is a seasoned engineer, corporate professional, and visionary leader who assumed the role of President of the Uganda Chess Federation in December 2025. At 50 years old when elected, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise, corporate governance experience, and strategic thinking to Uganda’s chess landscape.
Rise to Leadership
Bakiza was elected President on November 30, 2025, during the UCF Annual General Meeting. He was officially sworn in on December 19, 2025, at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala, beginning a four-year term. He succeeded Eng. Emmanuel Mwaka.
His election marked a new era focused on transparency, accountability, decentralization, and elevation of the sport. In his acceptance and early addresses, Bakiza emphasized reconciliation guided by rules, strong management, and building on previous gains while addressing long-standing challenges.
Professional Background
Bakiza is a highly experienced engineer with a distinguished career in Uganda’s telecommunications and development sectors. He has worked with major players including MTN Uganda, Airtel, Liquid Telecom, and Zain. He also contributed to government digitization initiatives under a World Bank-supported project. For eight years, he chaired the Ease of Doing Business Committee under the Presidential CEOs’ Forum, collaborating with key ministries and agencies.
This corporate and policy background shapes his vision for chess, applying boardroom discipline, strategic planning, and resource mobilization to transform the sport.
Vision for Ugandan Chess
Since taking office, President Bakiza has prioritized several key areas:
Under his leadership, the federation has already seen continued success, including strong performances at the 17th Africa Youth Chess Championship hosted in Entebbe in May 2026.
As a Chess Player
Bakiza holds a FIDE profile (ID: 10080970) but is not currently rated in standard classical chess, reflecting his primary focus on administration rather than competitive play.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Bakiza views chess as an intellectual sport that develops strategic minds — architects, lawyers, engineers, and thinkers. He frequently highlights the need for professional management to unlock the immense potential within Uganda’s chess community.
He is known for a pragmatic, inclusive, and forward-looking approach: “I believe in forgiveness and fairness... As president, I represent everyone. I will not hold grudges.” His mantra centers on strong management, strong funding, and strong players.
Current Impact
As UCF President, Andrew Nkwasibwe Bakiza is steering Ugandan chess toward greater professionalism, wider participation, and continental competitiveness. From launching school tournaments to equipping regions and pushing for better infrastructure, he is laying foundations for a stronger future — one where chess contributes meaningfully to youth development and national pride.
Key Roles:
Bakiza’s leadership signals a new chapter for Ugandan chess — one defined by strategy, structure, and ambition both on and off the 64 squares.
President, Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) | Engineer | Sports Administrator
Born in 1973, Andrew Nkwasibwe Bakiza is a seasoned engineer, corporate professional, and visionary leader who assumed the role of President of the Uganda Chess Federation in December 2025. At 50 years old when elected, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise, corporate governance experience, and strategic thinking to Uganda’s chess landscape.
Rise to Leadership
Bakiza was elected President on November 30, 2025, during the UCF Annual General Meeting. He was officially sworn in on December 19, 2025, at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala, beginning a four-year term. He succeeded Eng. Emmanuel Mwaka.
His election marked a new era focused on transparency, accountability, decentralization, and elevation of the sport. In his acceptance and early addresses, Bakiza emphasized reconciliation guided by rules, strong management, and building on previous gains while addressing long-standing challenges.
Professional Background
Bakiza is a highly experienced engineer with a distinguished career in Uganda’s telecommunications and development sectors. He has worked with major players including MTN Uganda, Airtel, Liquid Telecom, and Zain. He also contributed to government digitization initiatives under a World Bank-supported project. For eight years, he chaired the Ease of Doing Business Committee under the Presidential CEOs’ Forum, collaborating with key ministries and agencies.
This corporate and policy background shapes his vision for chess, applying boardroom discipline, strategic planning, and resource mobilization to transform the sport.
Vision for Ugandan Chess
Since taking office, President Bakiza has prioritized several key areas:
- Decentralization: Strengthening regional chess associations in Western, Northern, Eastern, and Central Uganda through equipment (e.g., handing over 200 chessboards), proportional funding, and clear district-level plans.
- Infrastructure & Visibility: Securing a permanent home for chess (targeted by mid-2027), introducing digital boards for spectator-friendly events, and increasing visibility.
- Grassroots & Schools: Actively supporting initiatives like the KCB Schools Chess Tournament and junior development programs.
- Elevation: Upgrading the federation’s status under the National Council of Sports for better funding, increasing international prize money, and creating incentives (including ambitious ideas like annual awards for top players).
- Player Welfare & Performance: Focusing on structure, welfare, and opportunities for talented players — many of whom are professionals in other fields.
Under his leadership, the federation has already seen continued success, including strong performances at the 17th Africa Youth Chess Championship hosted in Entebbe in May 2026.
As a Chess Player
Bakiza holds a FIDE profile (ID: 10080970) but is not currently rated in standard classical chess, reflecting his primary focus on administration rather than competitive play.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Bakiza views chess as an intellectual sport that develops strategic minds — architects, lawyers, engineers, and thinkers. He frequently highlights the need for professional management to unlock the immense potential within Uganda’s chess community.
He is known for a pragmatic, inclusive, and forward-looking approach: “I believe in forgiveness and fairness... As president, I represent everyone. I will not hold grudges.” His mantra centers on strong management, strong funding, and strong players.
Current Impact
As UCF President, Andrew Nkwasibwe Bakiza is steering Ugandan chess toward greater professionalism, wider participation, and continental competitiveness. From launching school tournaments to equipping regions and pushing for better infrastructure, he is laying foundations for a stronger future — one where chess contributes meaningfully to youth development and national pride.
Key Roles:
- President, Uganda Chess Federation (2025–2029)
- Engineer & Former Telecom Executive
- Former Chair, Ease of Doing Business Committee (Presidential CEOs’ Forum)
Bakiza’s leadership signals a new chapter for Ugandan chess — one defined by strategy, structure, and ambition both on and off the 64 squares.