Uganda’s national boxing team, the Bombers, will head to Nairobi, Kenya, with a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent as head coach Lawrence Kalyango targets a medal-winning campaign at the inaugural African Boxing Championships under the World Boxing banner.
Kalyango has named an 18-boxer squad comprising 10 men and eight women for the continental competition scheduled for October 15–28, 2026, with Uganda seeking to strengthen its standing in African boxing ahead of the next Olympic qualification cycle.
The championship will also provide an important competitive assessment for the Bombers before the African Olympic qualification tournament scheduled for Nigeria in April 2027, according to Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) president Moses Muhangi.
Kalyango, who has been involved in the African Championships since 2013, is confident his team can return home with medals despite acknowledging that Uganda will face some of the continent’s strongest boxing nations.
“I’m thankful to God that I have never taken a team to an international event and failed to bring at least a medal home.
Hopefully, I expect to win medals in Nairobi,” Kalyango said.
The coach also paid tribute to the clubs responsible for developing the selected boxers, crediting their coaches for the work done in preparing the athletes for international competition.
“I’m grateful to the clubs where these boxers train.
The coaches have done a tremendous job. Most of the boxers are fit and here, we just need to polish a few things,” he added.
Kalyango believes the selection process has produced a squad capable of competing against established opponents, even though several members will be making their first appearances in Uganda’s national colours.
“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.
He further emphasised the importance of competing against Africa’s best, describing the championship as an opportunity for Uganda to reaffirm its presence on the continent.
“I have been at the African Championships since 2013, and I know what it takes to win a medal.
We are going to face Africa’s best, and I believe rubbing shoulders with them is a good platform to remind Africa of what we are.”
Muhangi eyes Olympic qualification preparations
Muhangi believes the Nairobi assignment will provide the Bombers with valuable exposure as they build towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The UBF president confirmed that preparations have been progressing through non-residential training sessions at Lugogo, with the technical team working to sharpen the boxers before departure.
“Non-residential training is going on well at Lugogo.
The championship is a precursor to the Olympic qualifications that will be held in Nigeria in April 2027,” Muhangi said.
“We expect good boxing competition as many powerful African nations will be there.”
The championships will therefore offer Uganda an opportunity to assess its readiness against high-level continental opposition while identifying areas that require improvement before the Olympic qualification tournament.
Kakande leads men’s charge
Bruno Kakande will spearhead the men’s team in the 50kg flyweight category, leading a contingent that features boxers across 10 weight divisions.
Sam Nsubuga will compete at 55kg, Khassim Mulungi at 60kg, Innocent Amoko at 65kg and Ukasha Matovu at 70kg.
The remaining representatives are Alfred Ojok (75kg), Richard Kasujja (80kg), Arafat Kibirige (85kg), Ringo Aziiz (90kg) and Emmanuel Tabule (over 90kg).
In the women’s competition, Rashidah Naluw ooza will compete at 48kg, Brenda Muduwa at 51kg, Peninah Amoding at 54kg and Fatuma Nabikolo at 57kg.
Vanessa Nagawa (60kg), Erina Namutebi (65kg), Jesca Akello (70kg) and Diana Atwine (81kg) complete the women’s squad.
BOXERS IN THE FINAL SELECTED LIST
Men (10)
Bruno Kakande — 50kg
Sam Nsubuga — 55kg
Khassim Mulungi — 60kg
Innocent Amoko — 65kg
Ukasha Matovu — 70kg
Alfred Ojok — 75kg
Richard Kasujja — 80kg
Arafat Kibirige — 85kg
Ringo Aziiz — 90kg
Emmanuel Tabule — 90kg+
Women (8)
Rashidah Naluw ooza — 48kg
Brenda Muduwa — 51kg
Peninah Amoding — 54kg
Fatuma Nabikolo — 57kg
Vanessa Nagawa — 60kg
Erina Namutebi — 65kg
Jesca Akello — 70kg
Diana Atwine — 81kg
TECHNICAL TEAM
Head coach: Lawrence Kalyango
Akram Ssenvewo
Eric Nyeko
REFEREES AND JUDGES
Stephen Tulibagenyi
Ronald Samuel Kasirye
UBF OFFICIALS
Phillip Munaabi
Ibrahim Sekiziyivu — Delegation leader
Phiona Nayebare
Kenneth Ruyondo
Isma Mbabazi
