Bunyoro Boxing Clubs urge UBF to prioritise grassroots development

Boxing clubs in Uganda’s Bunyoro sub-region have called on the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) to shift its focus from the central region and invest more in grassroots development across the country.

They believe this is key to restoring the sport to its former glory.

Speaking at the National Elite Boxing Championship held at Kabalega Resort Hotel in Masindi, Peter Kajura, patron of all Bunyoro-Kitara boxing clubs, emphasized the need for UBF to support regions such as Bunyoro, Northern Uganda, West Nile, and the Western region. He cited the abundance of untapped talent in these areas that deserves recognition and nurturing.

The championship, which featured top-tier boxers not affiliated with the UBF Boxing Champions League, also formed part of Uganda’s Independence Day celebrations. It honored a sport that has historically brought Uganda significant acclaim both locally and internationally.

“We’ve laid the foundation for boxing development in Bunyoro-Kitara by establishing fully equipped gyms at Kabalega Resort Hotels in Masindi and Hoima,” Kajura told Vision Sport. “Our next step is to provide clubs with qualified coaches, training gear, and other essential equipment.”

Kajura urged UBF to look beyond Kampala-based clubs and channel more resources to regional outfits.

“There is immense untapped talent in these areas that simply needs nurturing,” he added.

A proud alumnus of Kako SS in Masaka, a school that produced 1990 Commonwealth Games flyweight gold medalist Justin ‘The Destroyer’ Jjuuko and 1996 Olympic bronze medalist Davis Kamoga (Athletics)—Kajura also called on the government to reinstate boxing in schools.

“The ban on school boxing has set the sport back. People often cite its risks, but statistics show football actually causes more injuries than boxing,” he noted.

Historically, regional clubs like Kilembe have produced Uganda’s most iconic boxers, including the country’s first Olympic medalists: flyweight Leo Rwabwogo and bantamweight Eridad Mukwanga, who won bronze and silver respectively at the 1968 Mexico Games.

The Masindi championship delivered several surprises, including a stunning victory by hosts and well-funded Brawn Boxing Club over giants Lukanga BC. Featherweight Isabella Waisswa (Brawn BC) edged out Lukanga’s Resty Nanono via split decision, while Reagan Musoke (Brawn BC) knocked out Masindi’s Joseph Mugisha.

Other notable bouts included Lukanga’s lightweight Muhammed Mayanja knocking out Fort Portal BC’s Pascal Ainembabazi, and Kigumba BC’s Hakim Mutebi defeating Brawn BC’s Shafic Kayongo by unanimous decision.

Eight clubs participated in the event, including Brawn BC, Lukanga BC, Bunyoro-Kitara BC, Kitara BC, Kigumba BC, Winyi BC, and Fort Portal BC. The championship unfolded in a vibrant atmosphere at the scenic, fully packed Kabalega Resort Hotel.

Dignitaries in attendance included UBF Vice President Sula Kamoga, Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom’s Prince Kenny Rodgers Kamulaasi, and Brawn BC President Laura Ndagire, a renowned actress from The Ebonies.