Kamwokya Chess Academy dominates Africa, seeks funding to sustain dream

When Patrick Mukasa began coaching chess to children in Kampala's Kamwokya Ghetto in 2022, his goal was modest: teach the game and help the kids develop their skills.

He never imagined that, just a few years later, his young protégés would become some of Uganda's brightest chess talents on both the national and international stage.

Today, the Kamwokya Teens Chess Academy (KTCA) has grown into a formidable force.

The team played a pivotal role in Uganda's second-place finish at the Africa Youth Chess Championship, held in May at the Entebbe Botanical Hotel.

KTCA players clinched seven of the eight medals Uganda secured at the continental event. The gold medalists were Ronald Wabwire in the Under‑12 category, Alvin Muhirwa in the Under‑16 category, and Jacinta Mbabazi in the Under‑8 category.

Other medal winners from the academy included Katrina Katushabe, who won silver in the Under‑10 category, while Juliet Asaba, Olivia Asiimwe, and Edrisa Melisa each earned bronze medals in the Under‑14, Under‑16, and Under‑10 categories respectively.

All the medalists qualified to represent Uganda at the World Youth Individual Chess Championship, slated for South Africa later this year. In addition, KTCA earned a spot at the World Schools Chess Championship in Italy next year, after both the boys' and girls' teams emerged champions in the primary school category at the Fr. Grimes National Schools Chess Championship held at Ntare School in Mbarara.

The three African gold medalists also earned international title norms. Wabwire and Muhirwa qualified for FIDE Master titles, while Mbabazi earned a Woman Candidate Master norm, subject to attaining the required ratings.

With the academy's rising reputation, KTCA management recently visited Vision Group to express gratitude for its support and to highlight the remarkable potential of children from Kamwokya.

Mukasa revealed that the academy has a pool of over 200 players, with at least 50 capable of competing at a high level. However, only 28 were able to participate in the Africa Youth Championship due to financial constraints.

"If we had not participated, Uganda would probably have won only one medal, a silver by Sana Omprakash. Our biggest challenge now is funding to enable our players to enter more local and international tournaments," he said. Local tournament entry fees average Shs50,000 per player, while international events often require USD 50 or more, costs that are prohibitive for most players, who come from underprivileged backgrounds. "We are looking for potential sponsors and long-term partners to help us sustain and grow the programme," Mukasa added.

KTCA Public Relations Officer Innocent Agaba outlined the academy's pressing needs, including tournament registration fees, transport and a team vehicle, air tickets for players and coaches, branding and promotional materials, and a permanent training facility.

"We call upon corporate companies, organizations, and well-wishers to help bridge the gap and support Uganda in nurturing future chess kings and queens," Agaba said.

He also expressed appreciation to schools that have already stepped in, particularly Sister Miriam Duggan Primary School in Kamwokya, which has offered 15 bursaries to academy members. At least five other players have secured secondary school scholarships at various institutions.

With continued support, KTCA believes it can produce more continental and world champions while transforming the lives of children through the power of chess.