Uganda will host the 2016 Africa Individual Chess Championship in June, a top sports official said here on Tuesday.

Vianney Mpungu Luggya, president of the Uganda Chess Federation told Xinhua in an interview that the dates are yet to be confirmed.

"We are happy that this big event which brings together the top chess players on the continent will take place in Uganda," Luggya said.

Top players from Egypt, Kenya, Burundi, South Africa, and Zambia among others are expected to take part in the event.

He said Uganda will field four men and four ladies. Other countries can field a maximum of three players in each category.

Luggya said the Africa Individual Chess Championship will help shape the national team ahead of the World Chess Olympiad due in Baku, Azerbaijan in September.

He explained that since the top four players on the national team will be the ones to represent the country at the event it will help them prepare better for the Olympiad.