Last year’s African championship bronze medalists Jonah Kyobe and Yusuf Nkobeza are not part of the team to be handled by AIBA one-star coach Twaibu Mayanja who takes over from Patrick Lihanda. He will be assisted by Don Ramathan Seguya also from Lukanga boxing club. Alex Muhangi the boxing federation president says that the federation is trying to extend international exposure to as many boxing personalities as possible.
“Winning a medal in the previous competition does not guarantee you a place on the national team. You must remain impressive in the subsequent competitions. About the coaches, the current policy is that the coach with most boxers at the national team takes charge since we have no permanent employed national team coach,” Muhangi reacts to the changes in the Bombers set up.
THE BOMBERS
Joshua Takamuhebwa who led the team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games retains the captaincy status. Ukasha Matovu, who won the silver medal at the 2018 AFBC Youth Championships, Idris Mukiibi who returns to the championship after last year, Solomon Geko who competed in 2014 Commonwealth, Emily Nakalema who was at the Africa Olympic Qualifier games in Senegal, Debutants Mulungi Kassim, hard puncher Lawrence Kayiwa, James Baraka and and Joseph Kalema, experienced Ssali Wasswa, promising Muzamir Semmuddu and Ronald Okello. Female debutants include Grace Nakinga, Nadia Najjemba, Sharua Ndagire, Zahara Nandawula and Erina Namutebi. Uganda finished joint 15th overall alongside Guinea, with both countries securing two bronze medals in last year’s Africa Championships in Maputo-Mozambique.
