By Martin Kaddu
Uganda boxing federation (UBF) president Moses Muhangi has expressed pride in the federation’s deliberate efforts to empower and promote female boxing. Of the 17 boxers summoned to the national team (Bombers) for the upcoming 2023 African boxing championship due July 25-August 6 in Cameroon, six are female –which is a record number in the decade. “We are trying to empower female boxing and also show that female boxers can compete. The ones we have selected have proven to be the best in their respective weight categories and I am hopeful they will return with medals,” noted Muhangi, who believes that the 17 boxers were selected on merit. “We are lucky to have the Champions League that helps in elimination of a series of trials since boxers are in continuous action. There is only one route to the national team –Champions league and your performance therein guarantees your place at the national team but not history,” he further explained.
There are exceptions too. Kassim Mulungi – a student at City High school made the cut after his fantastic performances in the national Open and Champions league on his debut. The S.3 student was voted the best boxer of the 2022 National Open and won by abandonment on his debut in Champions league against Henry Kimuli. “We wanted to give Mulungi a platform to showcase his talent and to show that one can still go school whilst boxing,” explained Muhangi in an exclusive interview.
