Katende is best known as mentor to Phiona Mutesi, seen in the 2017 Disney movie, Queen of Katwe. Robert worked as a consultant, helping with the chess scenes, and assisting David Oyelowo (who played Robert) to achieve character originality. Coming from a disadvantaged background, he lived in the slums of Nakulabye before he made it to Kyambogo University, where he secured a degree in civil engineering and a Computer Engineering Degree from Kampala University. Later, he switched careers to social work through Sports Outreach Ministry and attained a master’s degree in International Community Development from Northwest University Seattle, USA. He is the founder of SOM Chess Academy and the Robert Katende Initiative.
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