The chess program was initiated by SOM Chess Academy to promote critical thinking, problemsolving, analytical skills among the youngsters. The program aimed at empowering the less privileged
people in the marginalized communities to realize their full potential in through integrating the chess
skills in their day to day life.
The academy is in five slums of Kampala which include: Katwe, Bwaise, Kibuli, Nateete, and
Kawempe. The chess programs always takes place during holidays from Monday to Saturday from
midday till 5:00 pm and during school time the training takes place on Saturdays only.
Learners are divided into four levels that is to say, beginners, level one, level two, and level three
depending on their chess understanding.
Chess at Katwe centre is led by instructor Ssali, Mirembe,Wilson, Kato, Tugume, Nakiya, Resty,
Solomon, Nanyonga, and Daniel, at Kawempe is led by Richard, Pamu and Ntege , at Kibuli is led by
Lydia, at Nateete and Bwaise is led by Hudson. Chess is also in Kiwawu at Sports Outreach Resource
center by instructor Opio.
