Salim Uhuru has officially stepped down as president of the Uganda Professional Boxing Commission (UPBC) after leading the body since March 2018.
His departure, announced on Saturday February 8th, marks the end of an extended tenure that continued beyond his initial four-year term, which expired in 2022 without new elections.
In his final act as president, Uhuru appointed a seven-member interim committee to oversee the transition.
The committee will be chaired by Eddie Bazira, CEO of Baltic Promotions, and will include two members from the previous UPBC executive.
The team is expected to guide the organization through a crucial restructuring phase as the commission prepares for its anticipated merger with the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF).
The merger stems from the National Sports Act 2023, which mandates that only one national sports association or federation can be recognized per discipline.
With the UPBC managing professional boxing and the UBF overseeing amateur competition, the law now requires the two entities to unify under a single governing body.
The transition has sparked intense debate, with some stakeholders supporting the move as a step toward better regulation and funding, while others fear it could sideline professional boxing.
Uhuru, despite stepping down, had previously voiced concerns over UBF’s handling of the merger, warning against narratives suggesting a complete takeover of the sport by the amateur-focused federation.
The interim committee will be tasked with navigating these challenges while ensuring professional boxing retains its identity within the new structure.
Their immediate priorities include setting the groundwork for an annual general meeting, at which a permanent leadership structure will be established.
