The Uganda National Boxing Team, known as the Bombers, has faced a crushing defeat at the ongoing World Paris Olympic Games qualifiers in Busto Arsizio, Italy. All four Ugandan boxers failed to secure qualification, marking the team’s second consecutive setback in their quest for a spot at the 2024 Paris Summer Games.
The disappointment started with Shafick Mawanda’s loss in the men’s 51 kg category due to a walkover, as he failed to reach the venue on time. The absence of a team manager, attributed to the organising committee, was cited as a contributing factor by Moses Muhangi, the Uganda Boxing Federation President.
Yusuf Nkobeza faced a similar fate, losing 5-0 to Romania’s Andrei Aradoaie in the men’s 80kg round of 64 preliminaries. The team’s captain, Joshua Tukamuhebwa, and female boxer Emily Nakalema also fell short in their respective categories.
Tukamuhebwa had initially shown promise by winning his first two bouts but was eventually defeated in the round of 16 by Jordan’s Alkasbeh Obada. Nakalema, who received a bye initially, was defeated 5-0 by Cape Verde’s Ivanusa Moreira in the Women’s 66kg category.
Moses Muhangi expressed his disappointment, highlighting the team’s struggles with inadequate preparations, visa delays, and disorganisation. He called for full support from the National Council of Sports and Uganda Olympic Committee without interference, emphasising the need for a united effort to secure a spot in the upcoming Olympics.
The Bombers now have one final chance to qualify for the Paris Summer Games at the third and last Olympic qualifier scheduled for May 23 to June 3 in Bangkok, Thailand. Muhangi stressed the importance of overcoming the setbacks and securing the elusive qualification slot in the upcoming competition.
The coaching team, led by Twaibu Mayanja and assisted by Joseph Buule, faces the daunting task of regrouping and addressing the challenges that have plagued the team’s journey so far. As Uganda’s hopes hinge on the upcoming qualifiers in Thailand, the nation eagerly awaits whether the Bombers can overcome the hurdles and make their mark at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
