Queen’s Gambit

After centuries of European rule, the winds of change were blowing across the African continent in the aftermath of World War II. Many African nations began to strive for their own independence.

In Uganda, this longing for self-rule ignited in the hearts of the Baganda people, one of the major ethnic groups. In 1949, they rose in protest against the British Protectorate in what became known as the "1949 Buganda Riot". This shook the British, and slowly, they started introducing changes, allowing increased African representation in administrative roles.

In 1961, a new dawn broke as Uganda held its first general elections. Benedicto Kiwanuka of the Democratic Party emerged victorious and became the first Chief Minister of Uganda. However, political tension simmered between the Kingdom of Buganda and the central government. This led to another election the following year, and a new leader, Milton Obote of the Uganda People’s Congress, was chosen as Prime Minister.

Finally, after many years under British rule, on October 9, 1962, the sun rose on an independent Uganda. The British flag was lowered, and for the first time, the Ugandan flag fluttered proudly in its place. Sir Edward Mutesa II, the King of Buganda, was elected as the first President of Uganda, while Milton Obote assumed his role as the Prime Minister. Uganda had gained its independence without the violent struggle seen in many other African nations.

Yet, this was only the beginning of a new journey for Uganda. The years that followed were marked by political instability and conflict.

The Uganda of 1996, was one of struggle. While the economy was expanding, growth was limited to the wealthy class, and many still lived in poverty. The HIV Aids epidemic was running rampant through the population. Public education was still not provided, and for those fortunate enough to attend school, the quality was low, and the dropout rate was high.

At the age of three, Phiona Mutesi lost her father to AIDS. Soon after, she would lose her older sister as well. By the age of nine, her family could no longer afford school, and she was forced to drop out.

To make ends meet, and help keep her family fed, Phiona began selling Maize in a street market with her brother. For many grirls like Phiona, this would be the end of the story. They would live out there days as market vendors. But that would not be Phi

In 2005, Phiona discovered a local chess program that provided a free meal - a life-saving incentive for a girl who often went days without food. Despite having no literacy skills at the time, she was intrigued by the game and quickly fell in love with it.

The chess program was part of a mission run by Robert Katende, and she rapidly improved her game under Katende's tutelage. Chess became a refuge for her, offering a sense of control and strategy that was often missing from her chaotic home life.

In 2007, at about 11 years old, Mutesi won the junior division of Uganda's national chess championships, and she became Uganda's national junior champion (the youngest ever) three years in a row.

Her chess acumen gained international attention in 2010 when she was invited to the Chess Olympiad in Siberia, Russia, as a part of Uganda's team. She was the first female player to win the title of Candidate Master during a chess Olympiad.

Mutesi's story was brought to wider attention in 2011, when a sports writer named Tim Crothers wrote an article about her for ESPN The Magazine. The article was later expanded into a book and then a movie, both titled "Queen of Katwe," further spreading her story to audiences around the globe.

Phiona is a classic example of what is called a rag to riches story. She came from near nothing and rose to prominence. She began her journey with no knowledge of chess. She didn’t know the rules. She didn’t know what the different pieces were, the different moves they could make, and the deep strategy involved. Phiona had no ability to read chess books. She had no access to youtube chess videos. She was truly stating from scratch. But, despite the deck being stacked against her, Phiona started, and as a result, her life is immeasurably better.

Let this story first be a reminder to all that are reading it, that we are fortunate. None of us have known poverty and hardship like is common to those born in Phiona’s circumstances.

Secondly, we all have an opportunity to better our lives, by becoming better at managing our personal finances. You may have no idea how interest rates work, what IRA’s are, or how credit cards operate. You may not know how to balance a budget or build a portfolio. But you can start today. Personal finance can be one of the most overwhelming topics out there. But remember, you eat an elephant one bite at a time, and the first bite is always the hardest.

Take advantage of the countless resources available to help you become better with your money. Learn what it takes to grow wealth and create income. The more you learn, and the more proficient you become the more opportunity you will have to share with those who are less fortunate than you. One of those people may just be the next Phiona Mutesi.