GO on the Ground: Uganda – How Chess is Changing Lives

Did you ever see Queen of Katwe, the Disney film starring David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong’o? It tells the powerful true story of Fiona Mutesi, a girl from the slums of Katwe who rose to become Uganda’s national chess champion—and one of the best players in the world.

The man who coached Fiona, Robert Katende, is standing right behind me in Katwe today. Robert is not only the inspiration for the film but also a GO Campaign Local Hero, using chess as a tool to transform young lives.

It’s been several years since I last visited Robert’s Chess Academy, and the changes here are nothing short of incredible. What inspires me most is the way chess equips kids with life skills that extend far beyond the board. Chess teaches them to think two, three, even four steps ahead—skills they apply to school, home, and their futures. The result? Better decisions, brighter opportunities, and a belief that they can succeed against all odds.

GO Campaign is proud to stand with Robert as he continues his mission of empowerment in Katwe and beyond. This is living proof that with the right tools—and a little strategy—children can change the trajectory of their lives forever.

♟️ Chess is more than a game. In Katwe, it’s a movement.