Patrick Kawuma wins Genocide Memorial
FM Patrick Kawuma of Uganda is the winner of the 2019 Genocide Memorial Chess Tournament. He obtained 5.5 points out of 6 rounds to go home with the top prize of RWF 200,000 (USD 225). FM Patrick Kawuma in addition took home a glittering trophy.
Bob Bibasa and Mathias Ssonko, both of Uganda, obtained 5 points to end up in joint second place. Bob Bibasa was runners up as he had a better tie-break. They both shared RWF 250,000 (USD 280).
Joseph Nzabanita was the highest place Rwandan who had 4 points. He ended up in joint 3rd place but 7th in position.
Naftaly Mwangi was the sole player from Kenya and he obtained 3 points. He ended up in joint 5th place but 13th in position.
Eugene Mugema of Rwanda on the other hand was the winner of the Open section which had 16 players. He went home with RWF 90,000 (USD 100).
The Rwanda Chess Federation organised the event which ran from 8th to 9th June 2019. A total of 28 players from 6 federations took part in the International Section.
Ugandans dominated the event with 27 players taking part in the Open section.
The prize fund was a respectable RWF 790,000 (USD 900).
National Olympic Committee of Rwanda were the sponsors of the event.
The 1994 Genocide was a dark chapter in the history of Rwanda when thousands died in ethnic fighting. This tournament is a poignant reminder to those dark days.
Interesting facts about Rwanda
Rwanda is known as ‘Land of thousand hills‘.
It has the world’s record of the highest representation of women in parliament (60%).
Rwandans alongside their President participate in national service activities. This is called ‘Umuganda‘ and is held on the last Saturday of the month.
Lake Kivu is a deep water lake in Rwanda. Methane gas is extracted from the lake and used to generate electricity.
Rwanda has five volcanoes, including Karisimbi, Muhabura, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga.
Rwanda has three national parks and include.
Akagera is the largest national park well known for Big Five animals and game drives.
Nyungwe is the greenest national park with natural forest, well known for chimpanzee and many bird species.
Volcano National Park is known as the ‘Home of the Mountain Gorillas’.
Rwanda became independent on 1st July 1962.
Past winners
2017 – FM Haruna Nsubuga.
2018 – Mathias Ssonko.
Links
Standings & Results of the 2019 Genocide Memorial.
