UABF seeks legal views

By Norman Katende

INTERNATIONAL amateur boxing body AIBA’s legal department is yet to come up with the interpretation of some contentious clauses that were cited in the draft constitution they sent to the local amateur body, UABF.

Following wrangles that have rocked Uganda’s local sport for over six years, the international body called for fresh elections following a constitution that they sent. But the local boxing fraternity must approve it before it is put into use.

During a workshop to map a way forward, and also attended by the warring factions, it was agreed that there were some clauses in the draft that required clarification before they are approved. Godfrey Nyakana and Dr. Ntege Ssengendo are both claiming legitimacy to the national amateur body.

Among the issues of contention was the clause barring former professional boxers to hold posts in the local amateur body, a non-refundable $300 for a presidential candidate and the term of office.

But Denis Galabuzi, the Uganda Olympic Committee vice president (technical) who will also be in charge of the boxing normalisation committee said that AIBA’s reply will be received before the two factions meet again on Saturday.

“We just wrote to get some clarifications and the good thing is that they promised to do it fast enough. Saturday’s meeting will go on and I am positive they will have a new constitution in place,” said Galabuzi.

Galabuzi however refused to comment on whether the fraternity will be able to elect, saying that it will be the meeting to decide.

“It is their association and it will be them to decide on the way forward,” said Galabuzi.