The fourth week of Season Five of the Uganda Boxing Champions League delivered a compelling blend of dominance, resilience, and history, headlined by the emphatic return of Matovu Ukasha and the groundbreaking introduction of a Para-Boxing contest.
The event, staged on Saturday, 20th June at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, reaffirmed the league’s growing competitive depth and commitment to inclusivity.
Ukasha Matovu marked his long-awaited comeback in emphatic fashion, dismantling Isaac Kasasa with a clinical performance in the light-middleweight (71kg) division.
The referee halted the bout in the third round following a barrage of unanswered punches, handing Ukasha victory by Referee Stops Contest (RSC).
It was a statement win for the COBAP Boxing Club fighter, who returned to the league after a 540-day (18-month) hiatus.
His absence dates back to December 26, 2024, when he suffered defeat to teammate Nuhu Bate at the UMA Show Grounds.
Now competing in a higher weight class, Ukasha re-enters a fiercely contested division featuring notable contenders such as Nerrick “Bulabe” Tumusiime, Depark Mawanda, Bashir “Power Horse” Serugo, and reigning 2026 National Open champion Jonathan Wasswa, son of former national team boxer Mike Ssekabembe.
Despite his pedigree—having lost only twice in league history—Ukasha is yet to secure a championship belt since their introduction in Season Two.
Interestingly, the light-middleweight division remains one of the most volatile categories, with no boxer having successfully defended the title to date.
Beyond Ukasha’s dominance, the evening produced several tightly contested and high-quality bouts.
In the middleweight division, UPDF’s Harold Mukuye edged Katabi’s John Ssemugayire in a narrow 4-3 decision following a review.
Meanwhile, Bombers boxer Ibrahim Kemis (Mutajjazi) delivered a decisive stoppage victory over Shafiq Babiro before the fifth round concluded in the lightweight contest.
Kololo’s Kato Kazibwe secured a commanding 5-0 unanimous decision over Ssendyowa “Captain America,” while Katwe’s Emily Nakalema impressed in the women’s light-welterweight category, stopping Leilah Nalule in the second round via RSC.
However, one of the most significant milestones of the night was the inaugural Para-Boxing bout.
Shafiq Kizza, who also serves as the Chairperson of Para-Boxing, faced Sultan Najib in a Division A contest.
Najib emerged victorious with a unanimous 5-0 decision in a bout that symbolised a progressive step toward inclusivity within Ugandan boxing.
The Uganda Boxing Federation continues to demonstrate its commitment to expanding the sport across all demographics, including athletes with disabilities.
Selected Week Four Results
Bantamweight (54kg) Juniors
Nyanzi Muhammad (Namugoona) def. Mukwaya Ashiraf (Munyonyo) – 5-0
Featherweight (57kg) Juniors
Sekyanzi Joel (Kira) def. Kakyoma Garvin (Power Gym) – 4-1
Lightweight (60kg) Juniors
Mulumba Fred (Lukanga) def. Bisaso Ryan (Zebra) – 5-0
Featherweight (57kg) Juniors
Nanyonjo Michelle (UPDF) def. Naava Erone (Lukanga) – 5-0
Light-Heavyweight (80kg) Elite
Kasujja Richard (Lukanga) def. Ssali Ibrahim (UBF) – 5-0
Para Boxing Division A
Sultan Najib def. Shafiq Kizza – 5-0
Light-Middleweight (71kg) Special
Ariatamba Shafick (KCCA) def. Idris Zakaria (BII Fit) – 5-0
Bantamweight (54kg) Elite
Kyambadde Faisal (Brawn) def. Amanyire Seon (Katwe) – 5-0
Middleweight (75kg) Elite
John Ssemugayire (Katabi) def. Harold Mukuye (UPDF) – 4-3
Light-Welterweight (63kg) Elite Girls
Emily Nakalema (Katwe) def. Leilah Nalule (Brawn) – RSC
Minimumweight (48kg) Elite
Kato Kazibwe (Kololo) def. Ssendyowa Kevin (Kololo High) – 5-0
Lightweight (60kg) Elite
Ibrahim Kemis (Mutajjazi) def. Shafiq Babiro (BII Fit) – RSC
Heavyweight (92kg) Elite
Aziz Ringo (Kololo) def. Ssenyonjo Patrick (Dembe) – Walkover
Light-Middleweight (71kg)
Matovu Ukasha (COBAP) def. Kasasa Isaac (Katabi) – RSC
