Ogwel urges Bombers to punch way to medal bracket in Nairobi

Africa Boxing Championships

October 15-28, Nairobi Kenya

National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary Dr. Patrick Ogwel has urged the national boxing team, The Bombers, to punch their way to the medal bracket at this year's Africa Boxing Championship in Nairobi, Kenya.

Ogwel, flanked by his assistant Milton Chebet, in charge of NCS technical matters, and Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) President Moses Muhangi, urged the Bombers to rise to the occasion and justify the government's investment as they prepare to compete at the continental showpiece scheduled for October 15–28 at Kasarani Stadium.

The vocal NCS top gun made the remarks while flagging off the Bombers at Lugogo Cooper Chimney Restaurant on Wednesday.

Eighteen elite boxers, including ten men and eight women, are set to represent the country at this year's championship, with the team hoping to make a strong impression against the continent's best.

Over 34 African countries are set to trade blows to reach the coveted medal bracket, with the championship acting as a precursor and road to the 2027 Africa Olympic boxing qualifier slated to be held in Nigeria.

"Boxing is among the niche sports that have won us medals over the years. So, we expect you to deliver at all costs. By the way, you are not representing yourselves but the entire country," Ogwel noted.

He assured the team that the government, through NCS, had catered for the delegation's expenses, including allowances, while providing competition equipment to support their campaign.

"As government, NCS has facilitated all your expenses, including your allowances. We have also equipped the team with competitive gear to use in the championship, including gloves and training pads that are fully branded with NCS names."

Bombers Target Return to the Podium

The Bombers return to the Africa Boxing Championship since 2023 in Yaounde, Cameroon, when the team won seven medals, including two silvers for lightweight Wasswa Ssali and light welterweight Erinah Namutebi.

Captained by COBAP Boxing Club's light middleweight Ukasha Matovu, one of the two survivors of the 2023 team, this time the Bombers seek to beat the 2017 team that had three finalists in welterweight Muzamir Kakande, bantamweight Geofrey Kakeeto and heavyweight David Ayiti. Kakande went on to win gold.

"We respect our 2017 team, but our plan is to write our own history by winning more gold medals this time around," Ukasha told Vision Sport.

In Kenya, the Bombers will be under the guidance of Lawrence Kalyango, alias Coach Lora, who was part of the technical team of the 2017 Bombers triumphant team in Congo Brazzaville.

He will be assisted by Akram Ssenvewo and Eric Nyeko.

Bombers Travelling Squad

Bruno Kakande (flyweight), Sam Nsubuga (featherweight), Khassim Mulungi (lightweight),

Innocent Amoko (welter), Ukasha Matovu (Light middle), Alfred Ojok (middleweight), Richard Kasujja (light heavy), Arafat Kibirige (cruiserweight), Ringo Aziiz (heavyweight), Emmanuel Tabule (super heavy).

Women.

Rashidah Naluwooza (Light fly), Brenda Muduwa (flyweight), Peninah Amoding (featherweight), Fatuma Nabikolo (Lightweight), Vanessa Nagawa (light welterweight), Erina Namutebi (welterweight), Jesca Akello (middleweight), Diana Atwine (heavyweight).

Coaches

Lawrence Kalyango, Akram Ssenvewo and Eric Nyeko

Officials

Phillip Munaabi, Ibrahim Sekiziyivu, Phiona Nayebare, Kenneth Ruyondo, Isma Mbabazi

Referees and Judges

Stephen Tulibagenyi and Ronald Samuel Kasirye.