Muhangi secures third term, vows to commercialise Ugandan Boxing

Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) president Moses Muhangi has pledged to take the sport to greater heights as he embarks on his third term in office.

Muhangi was officially confirmed unopposed, alongside his executive committee, by the UBF Electoral Committee. The team now awaits formal swearing-in during the federation’s Annual General Assembly scheduled for February 28, 2026.

In a letter dated February 10, 2026, UBF Electoral Committee chairman Paul Mukasa confirmed that Muhangi, General Secretary Simon Barigo, Treasurer Richard Muhumuza, and Secretary in charge of Women Affairs Rose Kabwama were all duly returned unopposed.

Barigo has served on various UBF executive committees for over two decades, dating back to Rodger Ddungu’s reign in 2006. Muhumuza, who also serves as Netball Uganda’s vice president for technical matters, and Kabwama have been part of the federation’s leadership since 2018, when Muhangi first assumed office.

Seated from the left is Sula Kamoga, UBF president Moses Muhangi, MJoureen Mulangira the head of UBF Professional boxing Lincesing Committe, Don King Samuel Lukanga, Simon Barigo and Rose Kabwama (right) during an extra ordinary UBF assembly recently. PHOTO: Fred Kisekka

While critics argue that Muhangi’s repeated unopposed victories stem from what they call a “ring-fenced constitution,” the outspoken UBF boss insists his continued leadership reflects trust from stakeholders.

“My achievements in Ugandan boxing speak volumes. I have overachieved compared to previous UBF presidents, and my next step is to commercialise the sport and take it to greater heights,” Muhangi said.

“I hear too much talk about why I’m always unopposed. To me, it is a sign of trust that Uganda boxing stakeholders have in my leadership and vision. People with bad energy have nothing to do with it.”

Former national team pugilist and Kololo Boxing Club head coach Sam Kabugo was also elected unopposed. The former national middleweight champion joins the executive as an ex-international representative for boxers.

With five executive positions already secured, attention now turns to whether Muhangi will retain his outgoing vice presidents Sula Kamoga and Patrick Lihanda. Lihanda, a double Olympian who represented Uganda at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, has been serving as vice president in charge of technical matters. Kamoga, Muhangi’s long-time ally since their school days at Kibuli SS, has overseen administrative affairs.

According to the amended 2022 UBF constitution, the sitting president has the mandate to appoint four of the nine executive committee members. These include the two vice presidents, the publicity secretary, and the organising secretary.