The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) opposing Interim Committee has unveiled an ambitious roadmap aimed at revitalising the sport and restoring Uganda’s place among Africa’s boxing elite.
Led by Olympian Sam Rukundo, the interim leadership on Friday, September 10, engaged boxing stakeholders at Madhvani Hall, UMA Lugogo, outlining its plans for a more competitive, inclusive and success-driven boxing structure.
The committee’s immediate priority is the National Trials, scheduled for September 19–21 at Gozago Sports Arena in Makerere, where six boxers will be selected to represent Uganda at the upcoming continental championship in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
With support from Friends of Boxing (FOB), the trials are expected to bring together boxers from clubs across the country as the federation seeks to identify the strongest available talent.
“We are not discriminating against anyone. Every club is welcome to be part of the National Trials, where we shall select the best boxers ahead of a continental championship in October,” Rukundo said.
FOB has committed to backing the six boxers who emerge from the trials, providing a significant boost to Uganda’s preparations for the continental assignment.
Frank Lulinda, FOB Head of Marketing and Development, confirmed the organisation’s support, saying the partnership was intended to help give the selected athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
“UBF Interim reached out to us, and we have given them the assurance that FOB is ready to extend a hand to the National Trials. As Friends of Boxing, we are to sponsor six boxers selected from the trials to DR Congo,” Lulinda said.
The selected contingent will represent Uganda at the IBA Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championship, scheduled for October 19 to November 1, 2026, in Kinshasa.
The championship will be staged at the Stade des Martyrs Gym, with Zambia, Cape Verde, Kenya, South Africa and Morocco among the nations that have confirmed participation.
Beyond the competition itself, IBA Africa is also expected to conduct official certification courses for Star-2 and Star-3 referees and judges during the championship.
For the UBF Interim Committee, however, the Kinshasa assignment represents more than a continental outing. It is the first major test of a wider effort to rebuild Uganda’s boxing programme around stronger competition, broader participation and renewed international ambitions.
