Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) president Vianney Luggya is pleased with the new title of FIDE Arbiter (FA) he acquired recently along with two other Ugandans, Christopher Turyahabwe (UCF General Secretary) and Robert Katende.

The award, handed out by the world chess body (FIDE) is in recognition of the trio's excellence after passing the required examinations in Istanbul last September.

Luggya believes their new status is a positive step in the development of chess in the country. "On behalf of Uganda Chess Federation, I'm pleased we now have more FIDE arbiters, which will go a long way in helping Uganda to conduct more FIDE-rated tournaments," says Luggya, who is also the Public Relations Officer of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

"It will also help local players attain and improve on their current international ratings."

UCF vice president Stephen Kisuze is the other FA while Augustine Rwigyema is a retired International Arbiter (IA).