In the heart of Uganda's Katwe slum, the renowned SomChess Academy, made famous by the film "Queen of Katwe," continues to shape the futures of young chess enthusiasts. Founded and run by Robert Katende, who was portrayed in the film by David Oyelowo, the academy faces ongoing financial challenges yet remains dedicated to its mission of empowerment through chess.
Katende began his journey as a volunteer football coach before transitioning to chess in 2004 with just a single board. His most famous student, Phiona Mutesi, emerged from a life of hardship to become a national champion and an international competitor, inspiring many others, including 18-year-old Patricia Kawuma. Patricia credits chess for teaching her strategic thinking and discipline, enabling her to finance her education.
Over the past 20 years, Katende has worked with over 4,000 children, influencing many to pursue careers in various fields such as medicine and law. His academy expanded, thanks in part to a $50,000 grant from Disney following the 2012 release of a book on Mutesi's life. However, the film's underwhelming financial performance surprised Katende, leading to misconceptions about his wealth and funding for his programs.
While Mutesi now thrives in Canada, supporting her family back home, Katende confronts significant financial hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, resulting in staffing cuts and a lack of resources for the academy, which has only 120 chess boards for thousands of eager players. Young chess champion Jovan Kasozi has also faced setbacks, including missing opportunities to compete due to funds for travel expenses.
Despite these setbacks, Katende remains hopeful about the future. He believes that with consistent effort, even a long game like this can lead to success. As he awaits potential future support from Disney, he continues to inspire the next generation of chess players, emphasizing that chess mirrors life's challenges and opportunities.
