Uganda’s boxing campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow delivered mixed fortunes on Saturday, with Alfred Ojok powering into the Round of 16 while Ibrahim Khemis bowed out of the competition.
Ojok produced a commanding display in the men’s light heavyweight (80kg) contest, overwhelming Niue’s Anitelea Launiu to secure a unanimous 5–0 victory.
All five judges scored the bout in his favour, returning tallies of 29–27, 29–27, 29–28, 30–26 and 30–26.
The Ugandan now shifts focus to a high-stakes Round of 16 clash against England’s Dimeji Shittu on Monday, with a place in the quarterfinals on the line.
Shittu advanced directly into this stage after receiving a bye.
In contrast, Khemis’ journey in the men’s lightweight (60kg) division came to an early end following a unanimous defeat to Zambia’s Albert Ngulube.
The Zambian controlled proceedings throughout, earning a clean 5–0 decision with scores of 29–26, 29–26, 29–26, 28–27 and 29–26.
Uganda has fielded a six-man boxing team at the Glasgow Games, with earlier success coming from Nuhu Batte, who opened the campaign in style.
Batte defeated Nigeria’s Abdulwahab Abdulramon by unanimous decision in the men’s welterweight (65kg) Round of 32 to advance to the Round of 16.
Attention now turns to the remaining Ugandan fighters yet to enter the ring.
In the women’s quarterfinals on Tuesday, July 28, Nakalema Emily will face Australia’s Bryson Eve.
A day later, Katushabe Angel awaits confirmation of her opponent, while Aziz Ringo is scheduled to take on England’s Damar Thomas.
