“Sports ministry is a mission that uses sports platforms for holistic community development by investing in people through evangelism, discipleship, mentorship and nurturing good character for positive living.”
— Robert Katende, Director, SOM Uganda
our work
Sports Outreach’s international work began in Uganda. So much has happened in 30 years! The work here is wide-ranging; it is envisioned and carried out by Ugandan leaders.
In the Slums
SOM Uganda works in several slums of Kampala – Katwe, Nateete, Bwaise, Kawempe and Kibuli. The coaches, many of whom play for the Good News Football team, lead a variety of soccer, chess, and feeding programs in these tough areas.
SOM Uganda provides education resources for many of the children in its programs.
The SOM Chess Academy is the focal point for chess ministry, and so many children want to play! The Katwe Chess Center is the home of the Academy, with outreach to all of the other slums. A new building under construction in Katwe will provide much needed space, as well as a vocational school focused on computer programming and leatherwork training.
In Rural Communities
SOM Uganda’s newest ministry site is the Sports Outreach Resource Center in the Kiwawu community west of Kampala. This 13-acre complex is a key element in SOM Uganda’s long-term vision to be a catalyst for gospel-centered community development in the surrounding area, and for greater Kampala.
Programs and facilities for outreach include
soccer programs and soccer pitches (and hosting large holiday tournaments)
a church
two homes for at-risk children from the slums
a Chess Center for chess programs and tournaments
farmland for agriculture demonstration and trainings
a group of guest houses (a long-term sustainability project) and a medical clinic building, now under construction
