Katwe is about to pulse with the sharp intensity of kings, queens and checkmates as the 22nd edition of the SOM Celestial Minds Blitz Chess Tournament, organised in association with SOM Chess Academy, to be held on 21st April 2024.
Hosted at the recently constructed headquarters of Sports Outreach Ministries (SOM) Chess Academy in Katwe, Makindye, this event marks a historic chapter in Uganda’s growing chess legacy.
More than just a competition, the tournament is a vibrant celebration of intellect, opportunity and international collaboration, drawing participants from five African federations and over 150 players across various age groups and skill levels.
The SOM Celestial Minds Blitz isn’t just another tournament, it’s a FIDE-rated international spectacle with a uniquely Ugandan identity. It blends grassroots development with global standards, giving local players a chance to match their skills with international competition on home turf.
“This championship is open to players from various clubs due to popular demand,” said Engineer Robert Katende, founder of SOM Chess Academy.
“It provides a platform for our players to compete favorably with others and elevate Ugandan chess to new heights.”
This 22nd edition comes hot on the heels of SOM’s most ambitious achievement yet, a world-class chess facility, purpose-built to overcome the limitations that once hampered Uganda’s ability to host international events.
The new venue, situated in the beating heart of Katwe, is poised to become a regional hub for elite and developmental chess alike.
The SOM Celestial Minds Blitz is not only about crowning champions, it’s about changing lives. Over the years, the Academy has transformed the futures of many children, like Nansubuga Maria who earned a full bursary through her performance in a previous tournament.
This year’s event continues that tradition of empowerment, with a prize pool exceeding UGX 5 million including trophies, medals and cash prizes spread across both Open and Ladies categories:
Open Category
- 1st Place: UGX 200,000
- 2nd Place: UGX 150,000
- 3rd Place: UGX 100,000
- 4th Place: UGX 50,000
- 5th Place: UGX 30,000
Ladies Category
- 1st Place: UGX 200,000
- 2nd Place: UGX 150,000
- 3rd Place: UGX 100,000
- 4th Place: UGX 50,000
- 5th Place: UGX 30,000
Adding prestige to the tournament are guests from across the globe, including Scott Low, a National Chess Master (USCF) and member of the SOI Chess Advisory Board who shared his enthusiasm about the upcoming clash of skill and strategy.
Also attending will be Kavyashree M, Founder of Celestial Minds and Director of the Chess Outreach Program, as well as Dr. Jason S, another SOI Chess Advisory member.
Their presence shows the tournament’s expanding international footprint and highlights the growing recognition of Uganda as a rising force in African chess.
