The Queen of Katwe

Phiona Mutesi's journey from the slums of Katwe, Kampala, to international chess acclaim is a testament to resilience and determination. 

Born on March 28, 1996, in Kampala, Uganda, Mutesi faced significant hardships early in life.  Her father died when she was around three, and her older sister passed away shortly after.  By age nine, financial constraints forced her to drop out of school.  To support her family, she sold maize in the local market.  Her life took a pivotal turn when she followed her brother to a chess program run by the Sports Outreach Institute, led by Robert Katende.  Initially drawn by the promise of a free meal, Mutesi quickly developed a passion for chess.  

Under Katende's mentorship, Mutesi honed her skills and began competing in local tournaments.  In 2007 and 2008, she won the Ugandan Women's Junior Championship.  Her prowess led her to represent Uganda at the 39th Chess Olympiad in Russia in 2010.  In 2012, after a commendable performance at the 40th Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, she earned the title of Woman Candidate Master, making her one of Uganda's first titled female players.  

Mutesi's inspiring story caught the attention of journalist Tim Crothers, who penned the book "The Queen of Katwe" in 2012.  Disney adapted this narrative into a film in 2016, starring Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo.  The movie brought international recognition to Mutesi's journey.  

Beyond chess, Mutesi prioritized education.  In 2017, she enrolled at Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, on a scholarship, majoring in sociology.  While at the university, she continued to play chess, leading her team to victory in the "Top Small College" category at the Pan American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship in 2017.  

Today, Mutesi focuses on empowering young girls and promoting education in Uganda.  She serves as a motivational speaker, sharing her story to inspire others to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams.