NAIROBI, 19 October 2026 – Uganda’s boxing team has guaranteed itself at least 13 medals at the 2026 African Boxing Championships in Nairobi, with Samuel Nsubuga headlining an impressive campaign that has seen the Bombers dominate both the men’s and women’s categories.
Nsubuga delivered one of Uganda’s standout performances on Monday, stopping Algeria’s Amine Zanaz by referee-stopped contest (RSC) in the third round of their bantamweight (50–55kg) quarter-final to secure his place in the semi-finals.
The emphatic victory underlined the Ugandan’s growing confidence after his commanding 5–0 opening win over Benin’s Osias Agbotoney on Day One.
However, it was not an entirely successful day for Uganda, as flyweight Kakande Bruno bowed out following a 4–1 split decision defeat to Kenya’s Kevin Maina in the 47–50kg quarter-final.
Kakande had the opportunity to join Nsubuga in the last four, but his elimination means Uganda’s medal tally will remain at 13.
Uganda presented 18 boxers for the continental championship, and 13 have reached the semi-finals, guaranteeing the country at least 13 bronze medals under the tournament’s medal structure.
The men’s team has six semi-finalists: Mulungi Khassim (60kg), Alfred Ojok (75kg), Richard Kasujja (80kg), Arafat Kibirige (85kg), Aziz Abdul Ringo (90kg) and Emmanuel Tabule (90kg-plus).
Nsubuga’s progression adds further quality to Uganda’s campaign, although the men’s team has also suffered setbacks.
Kakande joins Innocent Amoko, who lost 4–1 to Kenya’s Aloice Vincent, and captain Ukasha Matovu, who fell 5–0 to Kenya’s Boniface Mogunde, among the eliminated boxers.
In the women’s competition, Uganda has been equally impressive, with six of its seven representatives reaching the semi-finals.
Rashida Nakawoza (48kg), Brendah Muduwa (51kg), Peninah Amoding (54kg), Vanessa Nagawa (57kg), Erina Namutebi (65kg) and Diana Atwine (81kg) have all secured places in the last four.
Fatuma Nabikolo is the only Ugandan woman eliminated so far, following her narrow 3–2 defeat to Egypt’s Mohamed Rahma.
With 13 semi-finalists already assured of medals, Uganda has laid a strong foundation for an impressive continental return.
The immediate challenge for the Bombers is to convert their guaranteed bronzes into silver and gold medals, with Nsubuga’s emphatic quarter-final triumph providing fresh momentum for the decisive stages.
