The 3rd edition of the T.E.C.H FOR THE WORLD Annual Chess Championship and 18th Edition of the SOM Inter-Project Chess Championships wrapped up on over the weekend at the Sports Outreach Ministries (SOM) facility in Kiwawu, Mityana.
The one week a national residential tournament event that was hosted young chess players from SOM programs across Uganda began on Monday December 8th and saw over 400 school children from across Uganda competing for an opportunity to secure school fees for the 2026 academic year.
This edition reached 408 participants and resulted in the awarding of 7 bursaries, 12 scholarships, 58 medals, and 19 trophies and SOM chess academy this year’s partner with Springfield High school matuga were they given seven secondary students three girls and four Boy’s .
The tournament was divided into Primary and Secondary categories, with both boys and girls from each category vying for the top spots were juicy prizes at stake include Trophies, Medals and Certificates were awarded to Participants are all from from SOM-supported chess centers countrywide for a full residential experience that fosters competition, discipline, friendship, and growth.
This year’s event is proudly sponsored by Mr. Jason Yip, a long-standing supporter whose belief in empowering youth through structured mentorship and opportunity continues to strengthen the Academy’s mission.
Beyond this year’s main sponsorship, SOM Chess Academy also acknowledges the consistent and meaningful contributions of valued partners including Jeff Steiner, Dana and Kathryn Hiscock, Dr. Peer, Daryl Calfee, the Clenets, together with several others who stand with the vision.
Uganda’s celebrated chess player Patricia Kawuma won the T.E.C.H FOR THE WORLD Annual Chess Championships girls open category while Male Reagan Kawuma won the the T.E.C.H FOR THE WORLD Annual Chess Championships Boys category.
Meanwhile the SOM Inter Project Championship 2025 18th edition winners include under 8 Sserubiri Steven (Gold)Obedi Timothy(silver), Ssesanga Solomon, under10 Girls Nabikolo Valisha (gold),Musiimenta Gertrude (Silver), under 12 Girls, Nakato Husnah (Gold), Ogen Rwot Innocent (Silver), under 14 boys Sembera Abrahim Lincoln (Gold), Under 14 Girls (Asinguza Danise (Gold), Under 16 Bang Robert (Gold) and Under 18 Onyango Daniel (Gold).
In the Disabled category Mbaziira Wasswa Sharif won Gold, Seguya Enock won Silver and Mwesigwa Amos while under 16 Male Reagan Kawuma (Gold) and under 18 Wasswa Joseph.
SOM Chess Academy, under The Robert Katende Initiative and Sports Outreach, uses chess as a tool for developing life skills, character, and confidence among children and youth, especially those from disadvantaged communities. Through structured training, mentorship, and national competitive exposure, the Academy continues to transform lives one move at a time since 2004.
