The 18th Som Inter-Project Chess Championship got underway on Monday at the Sports Outreach Resource Centre in Kiwawu, Mityana, attracting more than 300 youngsters from seven academy branches across Uganda.
The three-day tournament runs until Wednesday with players competing in six age groups from U8 to U18 in both Junior and Open categories.
The academies in Kampala, Gulu, Jinja, Kagadi, Masaka, Hoima and Budaka train over 2,000 children, many of whom earned their places through internal qualifiers.
Founder Robert Katende praised the children’s enthusiasm and said the event keeps alive the academy’s goal of transforming lives and spreading hope through chess. Medals, trophies and scholarships will be handed out on the final day.
The academy continues to nurture talent while supporting education, discipline and inclusion, especially for orphans and children with disabilities.
This year’s tournament is sponsored by Jason Yip with support from Jeff Steiner, Dana and Kathryn Hiscock, Dr Peer, Daryl Calfee and the Clenets.
“This event shows what’s possible when partners believe in these children,” Katende said.
Action in Kiwawu leads into the 3rd T.E.C.H for the World Championship from December 11–12, a residential programme expected to bring together more than 400 players for eight FIDE-rated rounds in primary and secondary categories.
Top performers will receive certificates, medals, trophies and year-long scholarships, proof once again that chess is opening doors for Uganda’s young talents.
