Mukiibi dominates Uganda Boxing Champions League

Majid Musisi’s legacy lives on in Ugandan sport.

His family's legacy has risen once again with his nephew, cruiserweight Idris Mukiibi, dominating the chat at the ongoing Uganda Boxing Champions League.

Musisi, who passed away in 2005 at the age of 38, is undoubtedly one of Uganda’s all-time football legends, best known for his time with the Cranes between 1995-2001 and his two spells at SC Villa between 1985-1992 and 1999-2001.

Since his sudden death, Musisi’s family had struggled to produce another gem comparable to Majid’s calibre. However, this has changed with Mukiibi, who shines not in football but in boxing.

Cruiserweight Idris Mukiibi is determined to keep alive his uncle, the late Majid Musisi's legacy in Ugandan sport. Photo by Fred Kisekka

Known by his ring name ‘#tag Gubaale,’ Mukiibi is currently one of the top boxers lighting up the UBF Boxing Champions League this season.

Son of Majid Musisi’s younger brother Issa Mukasa, who also passed away in December 2023, the cruiserweight assassin is determined to keep his late uncle's legacy alive in Ugandan sport.

“My dream is to keep our family legacy alive in Ugandan sport. I understand how big the task ahead of me is, but I know that with hard work, impossible is nothing. My uncle Majid was known for his aggressiveness, which I’m ready to emulate,” Mukiibi told Vision Sport.

Mukiibi, who is also a spare parts dealer in Kisekka Market in Kampala, is undefeated in season three of the UBF Boxing Champions League. The Kololo Boxing Club pugilist has won his first two fights and has become a nightmare for opponents from Uganda's forces.

He opened his account by defeating UPDF’s Adam Jamdhali on a unanimous decision and knocked out Special Forces Command (SFC)’s Moses Mayende in the second round. To be crowned the national champion, he needs to win his last two fights against COBAP Boxing Club’s Ivan Kimuli and Lukanga’s Arafat Kibirige.

Mukiibi has represented the national boxing team, The Bombers, twice, finishing at the quarter-finals in the Africa Boxing Championship in 2022 and 2023 in Mozambique and Cameroon, respectively. He believes he still has unfinished business and aims to win Uganda a gold medal in prestigious events.

“My dream is to win Uganda a medal either at the Olympics or Commonwealth before I turn professional. I’m confident one day I will see this come true,” he stated.