UBF warns illegal boxing promoters as NCS backing solidifies

The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) has issued a strong warning to organizers of unsanctioned boxing events, vowing to work with security agencies to arrest and uproot promoters operating outside the legal framework.

The warning follows a National Council of Sports (NCS) letter dated April 9, 2026, reaffirming UBF as the sole body mandated to organize and regulate both amateur and professional boxing in Uganda.

The letter, signed by NCS General Secretary Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel based on legal guidance from Solicitor General Pius Perry Biribonwoha, confirmed UBF as the legitimate governing body of the sport.

NCS further directed UBF to enforce its mandate with support from the Uganda Police Force and the UPDF.

Speaking during Season 6 Extra of the Sweet Science Boxing event at Club Obligato in Kampala, UBF President Moses Muhangi said all efforts to engage promoters linked to the defunct Uganda Professional Boxing Commission (UPBC) have failed.

“We have been patient, but their time is over,” Muhangi said. “The 2023 National Sports Act clearly gives UBF the mandate to regulate boxing at all levels. Our next step is to take action against all illegal boxing organisers.”

Solicitor General clarifies governance

In his legal advice, Biribonwoha cited Sections 16(d) and (e) of the National Sports Act, 2023, which require national federations to oversee both amateur and professional branches of their sports. He confirmed that UBF remains the legally mandated body to govern boxing in Uganda.

Biribonwoha also stated that UPBC cannot be registered as a national federation since that mandate has already been granted to UBF. He dismissed UPBC’s claims of being a registered business entity, noting authorities found no such records.

UBF faces compliance deadline

Despite legal backing, UBF’s crackdown on unlicensed organizers may be complicated by an upcoming NCS compliance deadline of June 7, 2026. Dr. Ogwel warned that federations failing to comply risk automatic rejection and revocation of certificates under the new Sports Act.

According to Ogwel, only three of the country’s 51 registered sports federations currently meet operational licensing requirements: Uganda Athletics, Uganda Rugby, and the Kabaddi Federation of Uganda.

NCS requires federations to have geographical coverage in at least 110 of Uganda’s 146 districts. However, a survey report shows boxing exists in only 82 districts, with other federations faring even worse.