NAIROBI, 22 October 2026 – Five Ugandan boxers have earned their places in the finals of the 2026 African Boxing Championships, combining domestic dominance, international experience and years of consistent performances to put the Bombers within reach of continental glory.
Mulungi Kassim, Vanessa Nagawa, Abdul Aziz Ringo, Alfred Ojok and Samuel Nsubuga have emerged as Uganda’s leading medal prospects in Nairobi, each arriving at the finals with a distinct story of progression through the national boxing ranks.
Mulungi Kassim: The established champion
At 23, Mulungi has built an impressive record in Uganda’s domestic circuit, winning the National Open in 2022 and claiming four consecutive Champions League titles from 2022 to 2025.
His international experience includes the 2023 African Boxing Championships, the 2023 African Games, the 2024 Mandela Cup and the 2025 Zone Three Games in Kenya, where he won gold.
In Nairobi, Mulungi underlined his credentials by stopping Algeria’s Hichem Maouche in the third round of their semi-final, securing his place in the final.
Vanessa Nagawa: Teenage talent on the rise
The youngest of Uganda’s five finalists at 18, Nagawa has progressed rapidly through the domestic ranks.
She won the National Open youth title at 60kg in 2024 before claiming the elite 57kg title at the 2025 National Open. She also won the 2024 Champions League.
Nagawa has carried that form onto the continental stage, defeating Algeria’s Douaa Rouaz 5–0 in the semi-finals to book her place in the final.
Abdul Aziz Ringo: The heavyweight contender
At 25, Ringo has established himself among Uganda’s leading heavyweight boxers. The grandson of Amin, he won the 2023 National Open and the 2024 and 2025 Champions League titles.
He also won gold at the 2025 Zone Three Games in Kenya and has Commonwealth Games experience.
Ringo secured his place in the African championship final with a hard-fought 3–2 semi-final victory over Angola’s Adilson Luta Mabanza in the 85–90kg division.
Alfred Ojok: The ‘Gorilla’ with a winning pedigree
The 26-year-old, nicknamed Gorilla, has built his reputation through sustained success in domestic competitions.
Ojok won the 2022 National Open and National Novices titles, as well as the Intermediate championship that year. He subsequently won three consecutive Champions League titles from 2023 to 2025.
His international experience includes the 2025 Zone Three Games in Kenya, where he earned silver, and the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
