Obua flags off boxing team for Olympics qualifiers in Dakar

The State Minister for sports Hamson Obua has urged the national boxing team - the Bombers to go for gold when they set foot in the ring.

Flanked by National Council of Sports secretary Patrick Ogwel, UBF president Moses Muhangi, Obua flagged off the team on Friday at Lugogo Indoor stadium to Dakar, Senegal for the African Olympics Boxing qualifiers that start Febraury 20 to 29.

"The first priority as you set foot in that boxing ring should be gold. Silver and bronze medals should come as a second priority," The minister told the boxers.
He also advised them to maintain the discipline they have exhibited, while in camp.

"We don't want to hear cases of indiscipline from Senegal rising from the camp," he said.

Muhangi thanked the minister for honouring their invitation to flag off the team and also thanked NSC for funding all their activities.

"It is so much joy on our side that all our 13 boxers are going to Senegal.Previously boxers would qualify, but fail to travel because NCS was only able to fund transport for a limited number," Muhangi said.

"This used to discourage some of the boxers to train."

Ogwel said that travel documents and allowances of the boxers and offficials had been cleared.
"On behalf of the Council we have cleared the travel, hotel costs in Dakar," Ogwel said.

"Due to insufficient funds, we have managed to provide shs3.7m for every boxer and each official traveling with the team."

The team will depart on Sunday aboard Ethiopian Airlines.

Male

Disan Mubiru (FlyWeight)
Isaac Masembe (FeatherWeight)
Yasin Adinan (LightWeight)
Shadir Musa Bwogi (WelterWeight)
David Ssemujju (MiddleWeight)
Joshua Male (Light HeavyWeight)
Alex Bwambale (HeavyWeight)
Solomon Geko (SuperHeavy)

Female
 
Catherine Nanziri (FlyWeight)
Susan Akello (FeatherWeight)
Rebecca Amongin (LightWeight)
Emily Nakalema (WelterWeight)
Doreen Nassali (MiddleWeight)