**The story of Robert Katende and the SomChess Academy showcases how dedicated coaching and perseverance can empower youth from the slums of Kampala through the game of chess.**
**The Resilient Gambit of Uganda's Chess Community**
**The Resilient Gambit of Uganda's Chess Community**
**Innovative chess initiatives in Uganda's Katwe continue to inspire despite ongoing financial setbacks.**
For over twenty years, Robert Katende has been transforming lives in Katwe, a slum in Uganda's capital Kampala, through the game of chess. His SomChess Academy, which inspired the Disney film "Queen of Katwe," is still fostering talent among local children, yet struggles daily with financial challenges.
Graduating as a civil engineer, Katende initially volunteered as a football coach in Katwe before shifting his focus to chess. He started the academy in 2004 with just a single chessboard and a vision to guide children towards a better future. With his mentorship, Phiona Mutesi, who had previously dropped out of school, emerged as a chess prodigy. She became a three-time national women’s junior champion and represented Uganda in international competitions, earning the title of Woman Candidate Master by the World Chess Federation at just 16 years old. Her extraordinary journey was depicted in the film with Lupita Nyong'o portraying her mother.
Katende has seen over 4,000 children pass through his programs, helping many find careers as doctors, engineers, and lawyers. His notable recognition increased with the publication of a book about Mutesi in 2012, which caught the interest of Disney. The studio subsequently granted him $50,000 to help establish his academy, significantly expanding its reach across not only Uganda, but also into countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Angola, and Cameroon.
With over 2,500 children and around 800 inmates currently participating in his programs, Katende believes chess can teach valuable life lessons. "Chess is a metaphor for life,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking in overcoming obstacles.
However, the success of Katende’s initiatives has been overshadowed by the financial fallout from the film's production. Disney faced losses amounting to $5 million after reportedly investing $15 million on "Queen of Katwe." Promised profits never materialized, leaving Katende in a precarious financial situation as many partners withdrew support post-pandemic.
Despite these hurdles, he maintains a positive outlook. He is grateful for the awareness created by the film, which drew support to his chess programs. Katende also continues to nurture talent like Jovan Kasozi, Uganda's junior chess champion, who has faced obstacles in securing funding for international competitions.
As Katende adapts to new challenges, he remains hopeful for future collaborations that might arise as Disney's situation improves. Meanwhile, he emphasizes the significance of resilience in both chess and life, asserting that the game continues to serve as an invaluable tool for personal development among his students.
