Uganda records contrasting fortunes on Day Two in Nairobi, with Aziz Abdul Ringo and Richard Kasujja reaching the semifinals while Fatuma Nabikolo and Ukasha Matovu suffer defeats.
Uganda’s Super Heavyweight Abdul Ringo delivered one of the standout performances for the Bombers on Day Two of the African Elite Boxing Championships, defeating Nigeria’s Keneth Anigboro 4-1 to book his place in the semifinals in Nairobi, Kenya.
Ringo’s victory at the Kasarani Indoor Arena provided another boost for Uganda’s medal ambitions as the national boxing team continued to experience mixed fortunes under the World Boxing banner.
Speaking after his victory, Ringo struck a defiant tone, declaring that the challenges he faced at Commonwealth Games have strengthened his determination to win a medal for Uganda.
“In Kiswahili we say tabu njoo. That is what Aziz Ringo is made of. Hard times have started hitting my opponent in Nairobi,” he said.
“I was born on a front line and I will die on a front line. I am a child of war, and I am taking war to Nairobi to win a medal for my country.
“What happened in Glasgow became a motivation to me, but not a setback.”
Ringo’s progression to the semi-finals marks a significant step in his campaign, with the Ugandan now firmly in contention for a place on the podium.
He was joined in the semifinals by Richard Kasujja, and Alfred Ojok who produced an emphatic performance against Tanzania’s Mayosa Abdul Mohamed in the light-heavyweight category (75-80kg).
Kasujja secured victory by referee-stopped contest (RSC) in the second round, underlining his dominance and advancing to the penultimate stage of the competition.
The three semi-finalists provided Uganda with reasons for optimism on a day that again exposed the unpredictable nature of the championships for the Bombers.
Alfred Ojok also progressed to the semi-finals after edging Angola’s Alvelino Benjamin 3-2, adding another victory to Uganda’s tally as the team sought to recover from its uneven opening-day performance.
However, the day was not without disappointment.
Women’s boxer Fatuma Nabikolo narrowly lost 3-2 to Egypt’s Mohamed Rahma, missing out on progression after a closely contested encounter in the 57-60kg category.
Ukasha Matovu endured a more difficult outing, falling 5-0 to Kenya’s Boniface Mogunde in the light-middleweight division (65-70kg).
The result continued Uganda’s frustrating run against Kenyan opponents after Innocent Amoko’s 4-1 defeat to Aloice Vincent on Day One.
Mixed fortunes continue
The latest results extend a pattern of contrasting performances for the Bombers, who began their campaign with Samuel Nsubuga’s commanding 5-0 victory over Benin’s Agbotoney Osias in the 50-55kg category before Amoko suffered defeat.
Nsubuga’s opening-day success offered Uganda an encouraging start, but subsequent contests have produced both valuable progressions and setbacks as the team navigates the preliminary stages.
On Day Two, Ringo’s and Kasujja’s semi-final qualifications, alongside Ojok’s narrow victory, strengthened Uganda’s campaign.
Nabikolo’s close defeat and Matovu’s heavy points loss, however, highlighted the challenges facing the contingent.
For Ringo, the immediate focus is now on translating his fighting words into a medal-winning performance.
