By James Bakama and Samaon Opus

WORLD amateur boxing body AIBA has refused to recognise the Godfrey Nyakana led Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation executive. Since controversially taking the federation’s leadership last year, Nyakana’s team has been unsuccessfully seeking AIBA’s recognition.

In a March 13 communication to UABF vice president Issa Kikungwe, AIBA director of external relations and development Patricia Steulet declared the matter closed.

“I am sorry we will not consider your federation to be the Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation recognised by AIBA,” Steulet’s e-mail read in part. AIBA’s stand puts the local federation’s preparations for the New Delhi Commonwealth Games due in October in jeopardy.

AIBA not only sanctions, but also oversees all major international amateur boxing competitions. Nyakana last year rose to the UABF leadership after the resignation of Roger Ddungu. Ddungu quit after being elected Uganda Olympic Committee boss.

A committee appointed by education and sports state minister Charles Bakkabulindi organised elections that brought Nyakana to office. The process was however challenged by Ddungu’s former executive.

They insisted that Bakkabulindi had usurped the powers of the local boxing body’s constitution. The constitution, a copy of which is with AIBA, states that if a president resigns the vice president (administration) takes over.

Dr. Ntege Ssengendo was therefore supposed to have taken charge of the federation until the end of their four-year term.

AIBA reminded Nyakana’s team of the transition that should have taken place and the fact that UOC recognition was crucial.

“We are perfectly aware that Roger Ddungu (former UABF president) resigned…and he is also the person who confirms to AIBA the federation recognised by the National Olympic Committee,” states release.

Nyakana could not be reached for comment. But his vice president (technical) Patrick Lihanda said they would meet the minister over the matter today.