Resilient Pursuits: Chess Champions from Uganda's Slums

Robert Katende's SomChess Academy in Katwe is still nurturing young chess talents despite recent financial hurdles. The legacy of the "Queen of Katwe" film supports the academy's initiatives, fostering hope and skills in vulnerable communities. However, the impact of the pandemic and a lost profit promise from Disney present new challenges to the program's sustainability.

For over 20 years, Robert Katende has been a beacon of hope for the children of Katwe, a slum in Uganda’s capital. His SomChess Academy, made famous by the movie "Queen of Katwe," is still changing lives through chess, despite facing significant financial struggles. Katende, who was depicted by actor David Oyelowo in the film, believes that chess can guide children towards realizing their potential.

Katende’s journey began soon after he graduated as a civil engineer. Initially a football coach, he transitioned to teaching chess in 2004 with just one board, motivated to uplift his community. Phiona Mutesi, who joined the academy at the age of nine after having dropped out of school, is perhaps the most notable success story. She has won multiple national titles and represented Uganda internationally, becoming a source of inspiration for many players like 18-year-old Patricia Kawuma.

Kawuma highlighted that chess has not only earned her school scholarships but has also taught her valuable life skills, emphasizing strategy, patience, and planning. Over the years, Katende has impacted more than 4,000 children, with many of them pursuing careers in medicine, engineering, and law.

The turning point for Katende's work came with the publication of Mutesi’s story in 2012, which caught the interest of Disney, leading to a $50,000 grant that solidified the academy's foundations. This funding enabled Katende to expand his reach beyond Uganda, implementing chess programs in prisons and surrounding countries. Currently, he oversees programs for over 2,500 young chess players and around 800 inmates, emphasizing that chess mirrors life’s challenges and teaches critical decision-making skills.

However, the financial toll from the pandemic has severely affected operations, forcing staff reductions and the closure of some training centers. Katende expressed concern over the future, noting that competition is fierce with limited resources, as his players have to share only 120 chess boards.

The disappointment deepened for 19-year-old Jovan Kasozi, a rising star and current junior champion, who was unable to attend an international tournament due to lack of funds for travel. Yet, he remains hopeful, echoing the sentiments of his coach that the game enhances his cognitive skills and keeps his passion alive.

Despite the challenges, Katende remains optimistic about Disney potentially reaching out again should the film break even, as they were promised a share of profits that have yet to materialize. The community’s faith in the transformative power of chess underscores the resilience of this initiative in fostering young talents and changing lives amidst adversity.