Bodybuilder Lukwago wins Mr. Uganda championship

LIRA - Ben Lukwago fended off strong competition from over 20 musclemen to win the 2015-2016 Mr. Uganda Bodybuilding Championships held at the Lira Hotel.

The 39-year-old bodybuilder won on his tenth attempt, beating six finalists in front of a cheering Lira crowd that were witnessing the sport for the first timeon Friday night.

Lukwago of the Be Active Gym beat three contestants in the Middleweight category that featured Joel Byron, Peter Mudhasi and Lira boy Patrick Otim, before winning the tight final that had another five of the other different category winners.

In the final, he reigned supreme over Vincent Mwai who won the Light Middleweight, Andrew Ssenoga (Light heavy), Lameck Muwanga (Light weight), Andrew Kibuuka (Welter) and Farouk Miyagi who won the Bantam weight, to claim his second major title in two years and sh300,000 cash prize.

Lightweight's Lameck Muwanga (left) and David Ssetaba flex their muscles

Lukwago will relish his latest triumph after previously often finishing second in this competition behind Ivan Byekwaso. He won the 2013 Mr. Kampala championship.

"I feel very excited now. I've always dreamt of winning this title and I have fought for it for so many years and my persistence has paid off; but I would like to thank my fans who encouraged me and gave me support to come for this competition," he said.

"It was not easy because my opponents were equally good but I thank God and my family who have supported me and encouraged me to keep working hard."

Lukwago believes his lats, chest, shoulders and legs muscles made the difference.

From left, Ben Lukwago, Joel Byron and Peter Mudhasi show what they can do with their muscles

"Now that I have finally won this, my focus is also going to turn to international competitions and I'm going to work hard and ensure that I also win something from there," he vowed.

But runner-up, Buziga Country Club's Mwai who gave the champion a run for his money in the final, was surprised by the choice of the judges and went away grumbling.

"The organization for this competition was perfect but I think the judges have made a wrong choice and they have sent me into early retirement, because I don't think I can come back and compete under them anymore," he protested.

Vince Mwai (left) who won the Light Middleweight category and was second overall poses before receiving his trophy from Lira RDC Emmanuel Lutukumoi

The event, organized by Boroboro Tigers Sports Club, was presided over by National Council of Sports (NCS) chairman John Bosco Onyik, Sports Commissioner Omara Apita, Lira RDC Emmanuel Mwaka Lutukumoi, among other district dignitaries.

Lango Taekwondo Club had earlier spiced up the event with an exhibition of skills before Mr. Universe Ivan Byekwaso and International Natural Bodybuilding Association World Bodybuilding Champion Mubarak Kizito also wowed the crowd with their muscle-flexing skills.

The championship was sponsored by Gracious Palace Hotel Lira, White Coaches Bus Services and Pauline Hotel.

Mr. Uganda Ben Lukwago (center) poses with the first and second runners up Andrew Ssenoga (left) and Vince Mwai (right)

 

Results

Overall winner: Ben Lukwago


Category winners:

Bantam: Farouk Miyagi

Lightweight: Lameck Muwanga

Welter: Andrew Kibuuka

Light Middle: Vince Mwai

Middleweight: Ben Lukwago

Light Heavy: Andrew Ssenoga