Swedish-born boxer Bwambale sweats over passport

Heavyweight boxer Alex Bwambale is another sports talent Uganda has received from the diaspora who has already joined the Bombers team for the continental Olympic qualifiers due in Senegal next month.

Bwambale (22), a Swedish born Ugandan made his way to the national team after beating Adam Jamidali of UPDF, Badru Nyombi from Scorpion Boxing Club and Emma Kyambadde of Lukanga Boxing Club in the final elimination at Lugogo Indoor Arena on January 5.

Swedish based boxer Alex Bwabale (right) fights Emma Kyambadde during the finals of the national trials for the Bombers team to the African qualifieres in Senegal at Lugogo. Photo By Silvano Kibuuka

"I am born to Samuel Muhendo from Bwera and Deborah Kabhugho of Kisinga in Kasese. This is my 5th visit in Uganda to meet my other relatives and I am happy to participate and make slot to the national boxing team. My ambition is to win a gold medal in Senegal and represent Uganda in the Japan Tokyo 2020 Olympics which will not only make me happy but my family and country", Bwambale said.

The orthodox boxer who features for Djurgardens IF Boxing Club in Stockholm said he has been in the ring for 12 years but did not join the Swedish team awaiting chance to represent Uganda.

He said he feels good to train in Uganda and will stay in camp till time for Senegal.

Swedish based boxer Alex Bwabale (right) fights Emma Kyambadde. Photo By Silvano Kibuuka

"My father likes boxing and he is the one who advised me to take on the sport after high school where I studied economics. I was also inspired by Uganda boxers like Justin Juuko, Godfrey NyaAlex Bwambalekana, Sharif Bogere, Kassim Ouma and John Mugabi ‘The beast' whose videos I watched", Bwambale added.

Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) general secretary Simon Barigo said they based in Bwambale's national identity to allow him to participate.

"We are now chasing for his Uganda passport because he holds one from Sweden and the national ID will not be considered in Senegal. We hope to succeed soon", Barigo said.

Boxer Alex Bwambale hopes to represent Uganda at the Olympics .Photo By Silvano Kibuuka

He added they are now waiting for Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) to give them the training roadmap for the Senegal Continental Olympic qualifiers.

Bwambale joins another boxer from the diaspora Kennedy Katende who also came from Sweden to make to the Bombers team that participated in the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Boxing Coach Ronald Kalyango from COPAB where Bwambale based has said he is a good boxer though he has little background about him.