Andrew Kibirige (left), Ismail 'Mafufungu' Mukalazi and Ivan Byekwaso flex muscles at Body Essence gym. They are set to battle for the Mr. Uganda crown on December 13

By Michael Nsubuga

Ivan Byekwaso’s Mr. Uganda body building title will be on the line on December 13 as over 60 participants challenge for the crown at Sabrinas Pub.

After failing to get funds to travel to Las Vegas, US, to compete in the Muscle Mania championship, middleweight Byekwaso hopes to retain his title as a consolation. He will face stiff challenges from Econ gym’s Stephen Serumagga, Ismail ‘Mafufungu’ Mukalazi, Andrew Kibirige and regular campaigners Joseph Serugga and Ibra Sebatta.

“I’m not an easy man. I’m just waiting for the day, they can’t beat me this year,” Byekwaso said in reaction to the challenge he faces.

The championship is the last event on the Uganda Body Building and Fitness Association calendar.

According to the association’s organising secretary Fred Munyagwa, this year’s contest is going to be bigger. ‘‘A friend in the UK has sent us trophies worth sh4m to be competed for in the nine weight categories,’’ Munyagwa said.

He said they had also hired Mike Mugaragu as promotions manager for their activities.