By 
The 2025 T.E.C.H FOR THE WORLD Annual Chess Championship wrapped up on Friday, January 31, at the Sports Outreach Ministries (SOM) facility in Kiwawu, Mityana.
The event, which began on January 29, saw over 150 school children from across Uganda competing for an opportunity to secure school fees for the 2025 academic year.
The tournament was divided into Primary and Secondary categories, with both boys and girls from each category vying for the top spots.
Secondary section.
This year’s championship was not just about chess but also about creating opportunities for education.
The winners in each category received full scholarships, which would cover their school fees for the entire year, thanks to the generous support of SOM and Karl Reese, the founder of T.E.C.H FOR THE WORLD.
The event’s closing ceremony was marked by heartfelt speeches, acknowledgments, and moments of reflection.
A Vision Realized: Karl Reese’s Dedication
The tournament’s origins can be traced back to 2023 when Karl Reese first conceived the idea.
With his commitment and vision, the event took shape in 2024, and in 2025, it came to fruition.
Reese, an electrical engineer and the Director of T.E.C.H FOR THE WORLD, traveled from the USA to attend the event, demonstrating his personal dedication to uplifting the children in Uganda through both chess and education.
Coach Katende, the SOM Project Director, expressed his gratitude toward Reese during the closing ceremony:
“I want to thank Karl Reese for the support. He’s the one who came up with this idea, and now we’re in our third year, aiming to provide school fees and scholastic materials for these children ahead of the new school year.”
Reese also shared his vision for the children, emphasizing the transformative power of education.
“You were all a vision to me 10 years back,” he said, expressing how proud he was to see the progress the children had made.
He shared inspiring words, noting that many past winners, including T.E.C.H FOR THE WORLD’s Vice President John Ssemuyaba and neurosurgery student Benjamin, had come from similar backgrounds and had transformed their lives through education.
The Champions: A Year of School Fees Awaits
The winners of the 2025 T.E.C.H FOR THE WORLD Annual Chess Championship were not only celebrated for their prowess on the chessboard but also for their determination and discipline.
Most Disciplined Players:
Girls: Nakayembe Christine (Kiboga)
Boys: Jawuya Rodgers (Hoima)
Both Nakayembe and Jawuya were recognized for their exemplary conduct throughout the competition and received a ream of papers to support their education.
Primary Category Winners:
Girls:
- Abba Prisca (Gulu)
- Kirabo Angle (Katwe)
- Nakanda Esther (Kiboga)
Boys:
- Ssenono Shaban
- Kasirivu David
- Ssenabulya Collins
Secondary Category Winners:
Girls:
- Patricia Kawuma
- Nabirye Caroline
- Nabagala Vanessa
Boys:
- Shafik Muhebwa
- Ntume Ivan
- Twebaze Solomon
Defending Champions Shine
Patricia Kawuma and Shafick Muhebwa both successfully defended their titles from the previous year, continuing to showcase their excellence in chess and earning a full year of school fees.
Patricia Kawuma thinking on board.
After his victory, Shafick Muhebwa shared his journey to success. “I lost out in the National Juniors, but I went back home, reflected on my victory, and thought about the liberty I had while at school with all my fees paid,” he said.
“I told myself that I had to defend this title and secure this privilege once again, and now I’m happy I did it.”
For Muhebwa, winning wasn’t just about the trophy; it was about the opportunity to continue his education.
His story serves as an inspiration to the other participants, showing that setbacks can be transformed into comebacks.
A Future of Hope and Opportunity
Beyond the excitement of the competition, the 2025 T.E.C.H FOR THE WORLD Annual Chess Championship was a powerful reminder of the impact of education.
Through the sport of chess, these young students are not only learning strategic thinking and problem-solving skills but are also gaining access to opportunities that will shape their futures.
The event served as a platform to celebrate the resilience, discipline, and potential of Uganda’s youth.
The closing ceremony also included personal reflections from the children, including Jalia Najjingo, a differently-abled participant who shared her experience.
“When I came from my former school, I learned chess with the help of Coach Resty,” she said. “The other children were tough, but I kept pushing myself, and this experience has meant so much to me.”
As the chess pieces were put away for another year, the players and their families left the event with renewed hope for the future, empowered by the knowledge that the T.E.C.H FOR THE WORLD initiative is more than just a tournament—it’s a pathway to a brighter tomorrow.
With the continued support of Karl Reese and the dedicated team at T.E.C.H FOR THE WORLD, many more children will have the chance to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams, one move at a time.
