NAIROBI, 20 October 2026 – Uganda’s Samuel Nsubuga, Mulungi Kassim and Vanessa Nagawa powered into the finals of the 2026 African Boxing Championships in Nairobi, delivering a memorable Day Four for the Bombers despite several semi-final setbacks.
Bantamweight boxer Nsubuga (50–55kg) produced one of Uganda’s standout performances, defeating Kenya’s Emmanuel Odhiambo by a unanimous 5–0 decision to secure his place in the final.
The victory extended Nsubuga’s impressive run following his third-round referee-stopped contest (RSC) triumph over Algeria’s Amine Zanaz in the quarter-finals.
He will now pursue gold as Uganda seeks to convert its strong championship campaign into top honours.
Mulungi Kassim (55–60kg) was equally commanding, stopping Algeria’s Hichem Maouche in the third round by RSC to advance to the final in the lightweight division.
His emphatic victory reinforced Uganda’s growing presence in the men’s competition.
Nagawa Vanessa (54–57kg) completed Uganda’s trio of finalists after outclassing Algeria’s Douaa Rouaz 5–0 in the women’s featherweight semi-final, securing her opportunity to fight for gold.
However, Tuesday’s action also brought disappointment, with several Ugandans forced to settle for bronze after falling at the semi-final stage.
Super-heavyweight Emmanuel Tabule (over 90kg) lost 2–3 to Kenya’s Clinton Machena in a closely contested encounter.
In the women’s competition, light-flyweight Rashida Nakawoza (46–48kg) suffered a second-round RSC defeat against Kenya’s Grace Atieno, while bantamweight Peninah Amoding (51–54kg) lost 5–0 to Algeria’s Malak Nour E Aichoune.
Light-heavyweight Diana Atwine (75–80kg) also bowed out by RSC against Nigeria’s Blessing Orakyue, while welterweight Erina Namutebi (60–65kg) lost 5–0 to Algeria’s Benane Djouher.
Despite those setbacks, Uganda’s campaign remains firmly on course for a strong continental showing.
The Bombers are currently guaranteed at least 10 bronze medals after 13 of their 18 boxers reached the semi-finals.
With Nsubuga, Mulungi and Nagawa now assured of at least silver, Uganda’s attention turns to the finals, where victories would convert their impressive runs into gold medals.
The trio represents Uganda’s strongest remaining opportunity to crown an encouraging championship campaign, underlining the team’s competitiveness across both the men’s and women’s divisions.
