Mwenda punches to glory with gold at Africa Youth Boxing Championship

Africa Youth Boxing Championship

Guinea Conakry

J. Mwenda (UGA)- wins gold

Light welterweight Joshua Mwenda etched his name into Uganda’s boxing history by winning a gold medal at the recently concluded Africa Youth Boxing Championship in Guinea Conakry.

The championship, which featured participants from over 20 African nations, ran from May 16 to 26, 2025.

Mwenda, 18, the son of Scovia Afuchan—a food waitress at the Meat Packers market in Bugolobi, Kampala—became Uganda’s first boxer to win a gold medal at a continental championship since welterweight Muzamir Kakande ‘The Real King Kong’ achieved the feat in 2017.

Sponsored by the Multi Sports Centre, Mwenda was Uganda’s sole representative at the tournament.

He was accompanied only by his coach, Herbert ‘Skills’ Kalungi of Sparks Boxing Club in Kitintale, and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) referee and judge, Moses Mugaga.

Mwenda’s road to gold included two second-round technical knockouts (TKOs) against South Africa’s Vumazonke Indiphile and Libya’s Mohammed Kesher in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

But it was in the final that he showcased his dominance, outclassing and outpunching host nation Guinea’s Mamadou Diallo. Mwenda earned a standing ovation from the home crowd after knocking Diallo down twice, prompting the referee to stop the contest.

“I give all the glory to God. I had dreamt of this moment, but I never imagined it would happen during my debut for the national team,” said Mwenda, a Senior Five student at Bweyogerere SS, during a WhatsApp call with Vision Sports.

“I thank my fans, Sparks Boxing Club, the federation, and my sponsors—Multi Sports Centre and Inspired Brands Promotions—for helping make my dream a reality.”

Coach Kalungi credited early preparation for Mwenda’s impressive performance.

“Talent-wise, I’m not surprised by Mwenda’s heroics in Guinea. He is electric—an artist in the ring with skill and power. Thanks to our sponsors, we were able to set up an early training camp, and that made all the difference.”

Uganda Boxing Federation president Moses Muhangi praised Mwenda's performance, linking his success to the impact of the National Boxing Champions League.

“As a country, we are immensely proud of Mwenda,” Muhangi said. “He’s a reminder that Uganda has never lacked boxing talent. The Champions League has played a vital role in nurturing his potential.”

Mwenda, Kalungi, and Mugaga are expected to return to the country this Wednesday, May 28.