Uganda’s Bombers have been challenged to deliver gold medals at the inaugural Africa Boxing Championships under the World Boxing banner, with the national team flagged off for the continental showpiece in Nairobi, Kenya.
National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary Bernard Patrick Ogwel delivered the challenge on Wednesday at Cooper Chimney in Lugogo, where he presided over the flag-off ceremony alongside Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) president Moses Muhangi.
The championships will run from October 15–28 at Kasarani Indoor Arena, bringing together Uganda’s 18 elite boxers, comprising 10 men and eight women, alongside coaches, referees and federation officials.
“I wish to officially flag off the Bombers team to Kenya. But as you go to represent the country, get to know that we require first class performance from you and our main priority is gold,” Ogwel said.
“Victory is about self-determination, discipline, and self-belief. Go and represent us, yourself, and your communities and always never be discouraged.”
Matovu Ukasha and Dianah Atwine will captain the men’s and women’s teams, respectively, as Uganda seeks to make an impact at the inaugural championship.
Bruno Kakande will lead the men’s challenge in the 50kg flyweight division, with Uganda represented across 10 weight categories.
The squad also features Sam Nsubuga at 55kg, Khassim Mulungi at 60kg, Innocent Amoko at 65kg and captain Ukasha Matovu at 70kg.
Alfred Ojok (75kg), Richard Kasujja (80kg), Arafat Kibirige (85kg), Ringo Aziiz (90kg) and Emmanuel Tabule (over 90kg) complete the men’s line-up.
In the women’s competition, Rashidah Nalwooza will compete in the 48kg light flyweight category, while Brendah Muduwa takes on the 51kg flyweight division. Peninah Amoding (54kg) and Fatuma Nabikolo (57kg) will also represent Uganda in the lighter weight categories.
Vanessa Nagawa (60kg), Erina Namutebi (65kg), Jesca Akello (70kg) and team captain Diana Atwine (81kg) complete the women’s contingent.
The championships provide the Bombers with an opportunity to test themselves against continental opposition as Uganda continues its preparations for the international boxing calendar.
Uganda Bombers squad
Men
Bruno Kakande — Flyweight (50kg)
Sam Nsubuga — 55kg
Khassim Mulungi — 60kg
Innocent Amoko — 65kg
Matovu Ukasha (Captain) — 70kg
Alfred Ojok — 75kg
Richard Kasujja — 80kg
Arafat Kibirige — 85kg
Ringo Aziiz — 90kg
Emmanuel Tabule — Over 90kg
Women
Nalwooza Rashidah — Light Flyweight (48kg)
Muduwa Brendah — Flyweight (51kg)
Amoding Peninah — Bantamweight (54kg)
Nabikolo Fatuma — Featherweight (57kg)
Nagawa Vanessa — Lightweight (60kg)
Namutebi Erina — Welterweight (65kg)
Akello Jesca — Light Middleweight (70kg)
Atwine Diana (Captain) — Heavyweight (81kg)
Coaches
Lawrence Kalyango
Akram Ssenvewo
Eric Nyeko
Referees
Stephen Tulibagenyi
Ronald Samuel Kasirye
UBF officials
Phillip Munaabi
Ibrahim Sekizivu
Phiona Nayebare
Keneth Ruyondo
Isma Mbabazi
