Uganda boxing mourns sudden death of Alex Kanaabi

The Ugandan boxing fraternity is in shock following the sudden death of national team pugilist Alex Kanaabi, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in Kampala.

Kanaabi, a bronze medallist at the Zone 3 Africa Boxing Championship in Nairobi in October 2025, had only recently showcased his talent on Boxing Day, producing a dominant performance to defeat East Coast Boxing Club’s Depark Mawanda and clinch the national light middleweight title at the Uganda Boxing Champions League finals.

The soft‑spoken fighter, who represented KCCA Boxing Club and previously featured for Lukanga and Nakawa Boxing Clubs, enjoyed a stellar 2025 season.

He began the year by winning gold at the National Open Boxing Championship, defeating Ashraf Mutaasa of Kibuli Mutajaazi Boxing Club 5–0 in the final.

Circumstances surrounding his death

Speculation surrounds the cause of Kanaabi’s sudden death. Some reports link it to an alleged attack by gangs known as “Eggaali” in the early hours of Wednesday, January 7, 2026. However, his mother, who preferred anonymity, believes her son may have been poisoned.

She recounted finding him unconscious in his room, struggling to breathe, with foam in his mouth. The family rushed him to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kireka, before he was referred to Heathstone Medical Centre in Banda, and later Nsambya Hospital. Doctors there indicated he had suffered severe poisoning that damaged multiple organs, including the brain.

Due to the lack of ICU beds, Kanaabi was transferred to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, where medics attempted to stabilize him. He was pronounced dead at around 5:00am on Thursday.

Tributes

Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) president Moses Muhangi led tributes, describing Kanaabi as one of the nation’s finest talents.

“We have not only lost one of the best boxing talents in the country, but also one of the most disciplined and hardworking athletes,” Muhangi said. “Our condolences go to his family, the entire boxing fraternity, and the sports sector for losing such a gem.”

Burial

Kanaabi will be laid to rest on Friday, January 9, 2026, in Masaka District.