Zebra Boxing Club is set to host the second edition of the Zebra Mando Memorial Fight Night on December 29 at Blend Gardens in Bwaise.
The event is dedicated to honouring the late Isaac Ssenyange, also known as Zebra Mando, and giving back to the community.
This year’s edition will be aimed at supporting single mothers by paying their children’s school fees for a year, ensuring the event carries a meaningful legacy.
December 30, 2024, will mark four years since the former Bombers captain was tragically shot outside his residence in St. Francis Zone, Bwaise III Parish.
In remembrance of his contributions to Ugandan boxing, his family and Zebra Boxing Club initiated the memorial event, which was first held last year at the Lugogo Hockey Grounds.
The late boxer’s son, Isaac Zebra Ssenyange Jr., who is leading the organisation of the event, said the memorial fight nights began after realising the overwhelming support during candlelight prayers held on the first and second anniversaries of his father’s passing.
“We attracted many people during the prayers, so we decided to honour my father’s memory with a boxing gala,” he said.
This year, the event moves to Blend Gardens in Bwaise, a decision Ssenyange Jr. says is deeply symbolic.
“Bwaise is the home of boxing and where my father introduced the sport to many. Hosting the event there is our way of giving back to the community,” he explained.
The evening will feature a lineup of thrilling boxing matches, including both national championships and international bouts.
“It’s going to be interesting and entertaining,” promised Ssenyange Jr., who turned professional during last year’s event.
The first memorial fight night helped fund the boxing academy that Zebra Mando left behind.
This year, the proceeds will focus on supporting single mothers in Bwaise, a cause close to the organisers’ hearts.
“The money we collect will go towards paying school fees for their children for a full year,” said Ssenyange Jr.
Tickets for the event are priced at UGX 20,000 for Ordinary, UGX 50,000 for VIP, and UGX 150,000 for VVIP.
However, early bird tickets are available at discounted rates: UGX 10,000 for Ordinary, UGX 30,000 for VIP, and UGX 100,000 for VVIP.
For the first time, the Zebra Mando Memorial Fight Night will be broadcast live, thanks to a partnership with NBS Sport.
Ssenyange Jr. expressed his excitement about this milestone, noting the significance of showcasing the event to the entire country.
“This year, we wanted to make the memorial fight night a national event. That’s why we partnered with NBS Sport,” he said.
NBS Sport Team Lead Andrew Kabuura reaffirmed the channel’s commitment to promoting Ugandan sports.
“At NBS Sport, we made it clear from the start that our goal is to champion Ugandan sport. This will be our final boxing event of the year, and we’re excited to cover it,” Kabuura said.
With all preparations underway, Ssenyange Jr. assured attendees of a safe and well-organised event.
The fight night promises to be a celebration of both Zebra Mando’s legacy and the enduring spirit of boxing in Uganda.
