Queen of Katwe's gambit still in play for Uganda's slum chess players

Jun 29, 2025
BBC News
Queen of Katwe's gambit still in play for Uganda's slum chess players
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Queen of Katwe's Gambit Still in Play for Uganda's Slum Chess Players

Profile of a Promising Young Star

In the impoverished Ugandan Kampala neighborhood of Katwe, chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi became a symbol of hope and resilience. Now, at 29, she finds herself thrust into the role of mentor to a new generation of young, exceptionally talented players.

Her Success Inspires a Generation

Having grown up in the slums, Phiona herself was introduced to the game at the age of nine by a local ministry worker. Her extraordinary rise to prominence in the chess world, including three consecutive Ugandan Women's Chess Championships, inspired a new generation of children in the neighborhood. They saw in Phiona's success a pathway out of poverty.

The Rise of Africa's Chess Queens

Now, nearly two decades later, a group of young women from the same slum are making their mark on the international chess scene. With the help of Phiona's coaching and guidance, this new generation of players has been dominating local tournaments and is now set to make their mark on the world stage.

A Remarkable Story of Resilience

The rise of these bright, talented young women is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability of sports to transcend even the deepest poverty. Their story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams can come true.

The Future of African Chess

As these talented young women rise through the ranks of international chess, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of a new Africa. The future of the continent rests on the shoulders of these remarkable young people, and they are poised to make their mark on the world.

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Original source: BBC News