The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) has implemented significant constitutional amendments during an Extraordinary General Assembly held at Cooper Chimney, Lugogo, aimed at aligning the sport’s governance with the newly enforced National Sports Act, Cap 151.
Chaired by UBF President Moses Muhangi, the assembly brought together federation stakeholders to deliberate and ratify the changes necessary to comply with the legal framework that came into force on September 8, 2023, and was fully implemented on March 14, 2025.
In his address, Muhangi commended the membership for their continued commitment to developing boxing in Uganda and emphasized the importance of legal compliance in advancing the sport nationally and internationally.
“This process reflects our dedication not just to governance reforms but to ensuring that boxing thrives within Uganda’s new legal and administrative landscape,” Muhangi stated.
The National Sports Act mandates several far-reaching reforms, including the recognition of only one national federation per sport, mandatory corporate status for federations, wider national representation, certification for athlete managers, and binding arbitration for sports disputes.
Federations must now operate as legal entities with perpetual succession and must demonstrate operations in at least 75% of the country’s districts.
In response, the UBF adopted key constitutional changes. Among the amendments:
- Article 4(e) now recognizes the UBF as a corporate body with a legal identity, able to acquire property and engage in legal proceedings.
- Article 9 expands membership to include not only boxing clubs but also regional associations, special interest groups such as coaches and referees, and associate members including schools, the army, and the police.
- Article 10 has been revised to allow flexible affiliation with international and continental boxing bodies, in line with future global developments in sport.
- Article 11(c) and Article 11.3, which previously required registered trustees for UBF property, have been repealed—reflecting the federation’s new legal ability to act in its own name.
To ensure full compliance, UBF constituted a Constitutional Review Committee led by legal practitioner Mukasa Paul. The committee’s mandate is to safeguard the federation’s legitimacy under the Act while streamlining governance structures for enhanced efficiency and accountability.
The reforms mark a turning point for boxing governance in Uganda, laying the groundwork for improved transparency, legal standing, and integration into both national and global sports systems.
