The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) has intensified preparations for the 2026 African Elite Men and Women Boxing Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, with more than 500 boxers converging for the National Novice Championships.
The national tournament, featuring boxers across different weight categories, has provided the federation with a crucial platform to identify and develop emerging talent as Uganda builds towards the continental championship scheduled for October 15–28, 2026.
The large turnout has underlined the growing depth of boxing talent across the country, with young fighters given an opportunity to test their skills in a competitive national environment.
Beyond determining national champions at novice level, the tournament is also expected to help UBF broaden its talent pool and identify boxers who can progress through the national system and eventually compete at elite level.
With the African Championships fast approaching, the federation now faces the task of assembling a strong national team capable of representing Uganda in Nairobi.
UBF President Moses Muhangi said that the federation is focused on building a competitive team while ensuring the selected boxers receive adequate preparation.
The National Novice Championships therefore come at an important time, offering coaches and federation officials an opportunity to assess the technical ability, physical conditioning and competitive character of Uganda’s emerging boxers.
Kenya will host the African Elite Men and Women Boxing Championships in Nairobi from October 15 to 28, with the Boxing Federation of Kenya working alongside the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya to stage the continental showpiece.
The championships are expected to bring together Africa’s leading elite male and female boxers in a major battle for continental honours.
For Uganda, however, the journey begins at home.
With more than 500 boxers currently fighting for recognition at the National Novice Championships, UBF’s search for the next generation of national stars is already underway.
The attention will now shift from the national ring to the selection and preparation of the boxers who will ultimately carry Uganda’s flag in Nairobi.
