NCS, Nyakaana want boxing revival in Uganda

National Council of Sports general secretary Nicholas Muramagi and the Uganda Boxing Federation patron Godfrey Nyakaana are optimistic current boxers can revive the country's history in the sport if the fighters are focused.

While sounding confident at the flag off of a team of seven boxers and two officials to the Bingwa wa Mabingwa championships in Dar es Salam, Tanzania, the officials urged the national boxers to embrace their current position of ambassadors to brighten future.

It is the first time Uganda is fielding a team for the region's biggest boxing championship since it was renamed. Uganda last competed in there in 2007 when it was still called Inter Cities boxing championship and finished third.

"One of our biggest (sports) potentials is in boxing but for about seven years, we wasted time with wrangles. Focus your efforts and you can break through," Muramagi said.

National Council of Sports (NCS) that has repeatedly insisted that it will only fund performing sports disciplines, gave the boxers seven of the ten bus tickets to allow them travel  and participate in the two-week championship.

"I'm very grateful for the current NCS leadership. You (Muramagi) are giving boxing the right direction. With your support we hope to do better. I urge the boxers to follow your advice and nothing will be impossible," Nyakaana said.

NCS also applauded the boxing federation for their new national league that has allowed it streamline the way they pick boxers for national duty.

Squad: Godfrey Kakeeto (flyweight), Bashir Nasir(Bantamweight), Sali Waswa(Lightweight), Shadir Kimera(lightwelter), Yusuf Babu(Middleweight), Muzamir Kakande(Welterweight), Reagan Ssimbwa(lightheavy).

Coaches: Patrick Lihanda and Oscar Binka