Uganda’s national boxing team, the Bombers, have arrived in Kenya with a blend of fresh talent and experienced campaigners as they prepare to compete at the inaugural African Boxing Championships under the World Boxing banner.
The 18-member squad departed Uganda on Wednesday afternoon, travelling to Nairobi through the Busia Border Post ahead of the continental showpiece scheduled for October 15–28 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
The team features seven debutants eager to make their mark on the international stage, with four men and three women earning their maiden call-ups to the national team.
The male debutants are Sam Nsubuga (55kg bantamweight), Richard Kasujja (80kg light heavyweight), Arafat Kibirige (85kg cruiserweight) and Bruno Kakande (50kg flyweight).
On the women’s side, Rashidah Nakawooza (48kg light flyweight), Peninah Amoding (54kg bantamweight) and Vanessa Nagawa (57kg featherweight) will make their first appearances in Uganda’s national colours.
Amoding, who earned her place through performances in the Boxing Champions League, described her maiden national team selection as a major honour and vowed to fight for gold.
“This is my first time on the national team and it’s a great honour. I’m here by merit and ready to give my all.
“Being selected to represent my country is not by mistake, I’m the best performer in my weight category in the boxing champions league.
I believe in myself and hopefully a Gold medal is in sight. I have never wanted to 2nd, I’m number one and I always work for that,” Amoding said.
Head coach Lawrence Kalyango is equally confident that the selection process has assembled a competitive squad capable of challenging Africa’s established boxing nations, despite the presence of several newcomers.
“I’m taking a team with many new faces in the national colours, but I believe in their quality.
“The selection process is too tight that whoever passes it is a top, deserved boxer,” he said.
Light-middleweight boxer Ukasha Matovu, who returns after an extended break, will captain the team, with Dianah Atwine serving as his assistant.
The squad also welcomes back Khassim Mulungi, competing at 60kg, and Innocent Amoko, both of whom missed out on Uganda’s six-man Commonwealth Games squad.
Meanwhile, super heavyweight Aziz Ringo Abdul and Alfred Ojok (75kg) bring Commonwealth Games experience to the contingent as the Bombers seek to translate their international exposure into continental success.
Ringo Abdul, who competes in the 90kg category, struck a defiant tone ahead of the championship, drawing inspiration from his recent experience in Glasgow and promising a fierce challenge for his opponents.
“In Kiswahili we say tabu Njoo. That’s Azizi Ringo is made of. Hard times are soon hitting my opponent in Nairobi.
“I was born on a front line and I will die on a front line. I am a child of war and I’m taking war to Nairobi to win a medal for my country.
“What happened in Glasgow became a motivation to me but not a setback,” Aziz Ringo Abdul said.
The Bombers will face stiff opposition from Africa’s boxing powerhouses, with athletes from more than 34 countries expected to compete.
Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, South Africa and Zambia are among the nations set to challenge for honours.
With seven debutants seeking to announce themselves on the continental stage and experienced boxers expected to provide leadership, Uganda will be aiming for a strong medal haul at the championships, which run until October 28 at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi.
