Uganda’s quest for African boxing gold gathered fresh momentum as Aziz Abdul Ringo edged into the heavyweight final, becoming the fourth Bombers boxer to secure a shot at continental glory at the 2026 African Boxing Championships in Nairobi.
Ringo’s hard-fought 3–2 victory over Angola’s Adilson Luta Mabanza in the 85–90kg division kept Uganda’s gold-medal hopes burning despite a challenging day in the semi-finals, with Samuel Nsubuga, Mulungi Kassim and Vanessa Nagawa already through to the title bouts.
In Blue Aziz Ringo credit to UBF
The growing final contingent underlines Uganda’s strength across both the men’s and women’s categories, with the four finalists assured of at least silver medals and an opportunity to crown their campaigns with gold.
Nsubuga continued his impressive run with a commanding 5–0 victory over Kenya’s Emmanuel Odhiambo in the bantamweight semi-finals, while Mulungi secured his place in the final after stopping Algeria’s Hichem Maouche in the third round by referee-stopped contest (RSC).
Nagawa also delivered a dominant performance, sweeping past Algeria’s Douaa Rouaz 5–0 in the women’s featherweight division to move one victory away from the continental title.
Although three Ugandans fell short of the finals, their semi-final appearances added to the country’s medal tally.
Cruiserweight Arafat Kibirige suffered a knockout defeat against Angola’s Moses Chiangulula, while light-heavyweight Richard Kasujja lost 5–0 to Algeria’s Mustapha Abdou. Women’s flyweight Brendah Muduwa also lost 5–0 to Kenya’s Veronica Mbithe.
In Red Kateregga- Credit UBF
The three boxers will take home bronze medals, ensuring Uganda continues to register podium finishes across several divisions.
Uganda could yet expand its final representation, with middleweight Alfred Ojok scheduled to face Tanzania’s Amos Tryphone Mberwa on Thursday morning after their semi-final bout was postponed.
The Bombers entered the decisive stage with 13 of their 18 boxers reaching the semi-finals, guaranteeing a substantial medal return and demonstrating the team’s competitiveness at the continental level.
With four finalists already confirmed, attention now turns to the gold-medal bouts, where Ringo, Nsubuga, Mulungi and Nagawa will seek to convert their progress into championship titles.
Credit to UBF
Ojok’s rescheduled contest also offers Uganda another opportunity to strengthen its challenge as the championships approach their conclusion.