Jovan Kasozi, a 16-year-old chess prodigy from Katwe, has been making waves within the Ugandan chess scene, at present taking part within the T.E.C.H FOR THE WORLD Annual Chess Championship 2025 held from 29 – January 31, on the Sports activities Outreach Ministries Dwelling in Kiwawu, Mityana.
With over 150 kids competing on this prestigious occasion, Kasozi’s journey has been full of ups and downs, however his resilience and dedication are plain.
The T.E.C.H FOR THE WORLD chess match, a major occasion within the Ugandan chess calendar, is designed to showcase the expertise of younger faculty kids throughout the nation.
Individuals are divided into Main and Secondary classes, with girls and boys competing inside their respective age teams.
Kasozi, who’s at present a scholar at Malcom X Secondary College, is a part of the Secondary class, hoping to assert a prime prize, together with a college charges package deal.
On the primary day of the match, Kasozi confronted a difficult begin. Out of the three video games he performed, he received one however misplaced two.
Regardless of these setbacks, Kasozi remained optimistic, displaying true sportsmanship and dedication.
“I’ve misplaced two to date however I nonetheless have the assumption that I’ll win the varsity charges package deal,” he confidently said.
“I’m not apprehensive, I’ll work higher and win tomorrow. I misplaced as a result of I underestimated my opponents, one thing I received’t do once more.”
This resilient mindset has been a key a part of his success.
Although Kasozi had little prior information of his opponents’ play types, he remained decided to push ahead and meet the challenges head-on, indicating his development as each a participant and an individual.
A narrative behind Kasozi’s Victory
Nonetheless Kasozi’s chess journey has been nothing in need of exceptional, particularly after his triumph within the 2025 Nationwide Junior Chess Championship.
This competitors, held at Nob View Resort in Ntinda, showcased one of the best younger abilities within the nation, and Kasozi rose to the event, claiming victory.
Reflecting on his efficiency, Kasozi acknowledged the challenges he confronted throughout the match.
“I knew everybody’s type of play as per the movies on YouTube, so it was a bit simpler till the ultimate spherical, the place I performed in opposition to the 2 brothers, Mwase Mathew and Mwase Arthur from Mango Tech Membership,” he shared.
“Mathew was the defending champion, so enjoying him was powerful. However I managed to beat him and draw with Arthur, which was an enormous achievement for me.”
His victory on the Nationwide Junior Championship wasn’t with out its difficulties.
Kasozi spoke candidly in regards to the off-the-board challenges, notably relating to registration charges and transport.
His mom, Mrs. Proscovia Ssebatta, helped with the registration price, whereas Kasozi personally lined his transport and meal prices.
“I used to be spending 10,000 Ugandan shillings on transport and meals for all 4 days. I might stroll from residence to the Taxi Park, then take a taxi to Ntinda the place the video games had been held,” he defined.
Regardless of these hurdles, his ardour for chess remained unwavering.
Kasozi’s victory within the Nationwide Junior Chess Championship has opened doorways for him. He now feels extra acknowledged within the chess group, which has boosted his morale and impressed him to coach tougher.
“No person knew me earlier than the match. It helped me get recognition, alternatives, and motivation to coach extra,” he stated.
His rigorous coaching schedule, guided by his coach, Mirembe Derrick, includes as much as 9 hours of follow a day, though they often cut back it to six hours.
“After successful the Nationwide Juniors Chess Championship, I’ve to arrange for the Africa Junior Championship and World Junior Championship,” Kasozi stated, illustrating his ambition to compete on a world stage.
Regardless of his spectacular achievements, there are challenges on the horizon.
Based on Mr. Robert Katende, the director of SOM Chess Academy, Kasozi won’t be able to take part within the World Junior Chess Championship as a result of timing of the occasion and the dearth of a passport.
“The deadline for the World Championship got here too early, and Kasozi doesn’t but have a passport,” Katende defined.
“Nonetheless, he’ll nonetheless take part within the Africa Junior Chess Championship, which is a good alternative for him.”
Kasozi’s journey is a testomony to his perseverance, expertise, and the help of his household and coach.
Whereas monetary constraints and logistical challenges persist, his drive to reach chess is undeterred.
Together with his eyes set on the Africa Junior Championship, Kasozi’s future within the sport seems to be vibrant, and his dedication to signify Uganda on the worldwide chess stage is unwavering.
As he continues to develop each as a participant and an individual, the chess world will undoubtedly be watching intently.
