Uganda’s Bombers have been flagged off for the inaugural Africa Boxing Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, with a clear mission to hunt for gold medals and make the country proud on the continental stage.
National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary Bernard Patrick Ogwel delivered the challenge on Wednesday at Cooper Chimney in Lugogo, where he presided over the flag-off ceremony alongside Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) president Moses Muhangi.
on Your left Matovu Ukasha , holding the Microphone Moses Muhangi and Your right Benard Ogwel – Credit UBF
The championships will run from October 15 to 28 at Kasarani Indoor Arena, with Uganda fielding 18 elite boxers 10 men and eight women in a campaign that offers the national team an opportunity to test its strength against continental opposition under the World Boxing banner.
Ogwel urged the fighters to approach the competition with discipline, determination and the ambition to return home with the highest honours.
credit to UBF
“I wish to officially flag off the Bombers team to Kenya. But as you go to represent the country, get to know that we require first-class performance from you and our main priority is gold,” Ogwel said.
“Victory is about self-determination, discipline, and self-belief. Go and represent us, yourself, and your communities and always never be discouraged.”
The message leaves little doubt about the expectations surrounding the Bombers as they prepare to step into the ring in Nairobi, with the technical team tasked with turning Uganda’s medal ambitions into results.
Credit to UBF
Matovu Ukasha will captain the men’s team, while Dianah Atwine leads the women’s contingent as Uganda spreads its challenge across 18 weight categories.
Bruno Kakande spearheads the men’s lineup in the 50kg flyweight division, joined by Sam Nsubuga (55kg), Khassim Mulungi (60kg) and Innocent Amoko (65kg).
Captain Ukasha will compete at 70kg, while Alfred Ojok (75kg), Richard Kasujja (80kg), Arafat Kibirige (85kg), Ringo Aziiz (90kg) and Emmanuel Tabule (over 90kg) complete the men’s squad.
In the women’s competition, Rashidah Nalwooza will fight at 48kg, Brendah Muduwa at 51kg, Peninah Amoding at 54kg and Fatuma Nabikolo at 57kg.
Vanessa Nagawa (60kg), Erina Namutebi (65kg), Jesca Akello (70kg) and captain Atwine (81kg) complete the women’s lineup.
The continental championship provides the Bombers with an important platform to measure their progress against Africa’s best and gain valuable international experience as Uganda continues to prepare for future boxing assignments.
Credit to UBF
With gold medals established as the priority, the fighters will be under pressure to deliver performances that justify the confidence placed in them by the country’s sports leadership.
Uganda Bombers squad
Men
- Bruno Kakande — 50kg
- Sam Nsubuga — 55kg
- Khassim Mulungi — 60kg
- Innocent Amoko — 65kg
- Matovu Ukasha (Captain) — 70kg
- Alfred Ojok — 75kg
- Richard Kasujja — 80kg
- Arafat Kibirige — 85kg
- Ringo Aziiz — 90kg
- Emmanuel Tabule — Over 90kg
Women
- Rashidah Naluwooza — 48kg
- Brendah Muduwa — 51kg
- Peninah Amoding — 54kg
- Fatuma Nabikolo — 57kg
- Vanessa Nagawa — 60kg
- Erina Namutebi — 65kg
- Jesca Akello — 70kg
- Dianah Atwine (Captain) — 81kg
Coaches: Lawrence Kalyango, Akram Ssenvewo and Eric Nyeko.
Referees: Stephen Tulibagenyi and Ronald Samuel Kasirye.
UBF officials: Phillip Munaabi, Ibrahim Sekizivu, Phiona Nayebare, Keneth Ruyondo and Isma Mbabazi.
As the Bombers depart for Nairobi, the mission is set: fight with purpose, deliver on the promise and bring home gold for Uganda.