"The author's smooth-flowing prose is laced with poignant details... A quick, inspirational story of overcoming adversity." -Kirkus Reviews

While some would hail Katwe as a den of failures, Robert Katende sees it as a training ground for future kings and queens. His work has started a movement which has caught the attention of world leaders Bill & Melinda Gates and The Obama Foundation, with many more on the horizon.

Once too poor to afford the rat poison with which he planned to take his own life, Robert's legacy tells an astonishing true story of resilience and hope. His work was made famous in the Disney movie Queen of Katwe, a biographical drama about a 13-year-old girl who became a Uganda National Chess Champion under Robert's mentorship. Now readers will get a first-hand account of how it all started, and the life of the man behind Phiona Mutesi's world-renown accomplishments.

This powerful story is presented in two parts. First from Robert's perspective - war refugee turned missionary living the improbable dream to empower kids in Ugandan slums through chess - a game so foreign there is no word for it in their native language. And then by debut author Nathan Kiwere-presenting heartfelt testimonies from Katende's students. You'll ride along the deep valleys and the high mountaintops of Robert's childhood as he beats impossibilities that would have likely crushed anyone else!

Robert's life illuminates a situation many will find difficult to imagine. However, his life will inspire you to achieve great things against insurmountable obstacles.

Author: Robert Katende
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Made for Success Publishing
Published: 11/12/2019
Pages: 220
Weight: 0.6lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781641463775


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 11/01/2019
Foreword 09/28/2019

About the Author
Katende, Robert: -

Robert lives in Kampala Uganda and operates the SOM Chess Academy. He travels the world using chess as a tool to nature, mentor and disciple people. It all started with the vulnerable children living on streets of Kampala, where he uses chess as a way to better the lives of disadvantaged children.

These programs have nurtured and given opportunities to street children the likes of Phiona Mutesi who has become the first Woman Candidate Master in the history of Uganda and was featured in the Disney movie Queen of Katwe, as well as Gloria Nansubuga who became the first female to attain the Woman FIDE Master (WFM) title from the World Chess Olympiad.

Robert is married with three daughters, Mercy, Hope and Queen.