Outgoing Uganda Professional Boxing Commission (UPBC) President, Uhuru Salim, has vowed to address the commission’s organizational and legal issues before stepping down.
Salim made the commitment during a heated meeting at Club Obligato on January 18, 2025, amid growing tensions within Uganda’s boxing fraternity over the National Sports Act 2023.
The law, which came into effect on September 8, 2023, mandates the registration of only one national sports body per discipline, effectively forcing a merger between the UPBC and the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), led by Moses Muhangi.
While the UBF primarily oversees amateur boxing, the proposed merger has elicited mixed reactions from stakeholders.
Salim, who has chosen not to seek re-election due to his political ambitions, did not hold back in his criticism of the current state of affairs.
“I will make sure that I streamline professional boxing’s legal and organizational gaps before I step down,” he asserted, accusing certain stakeholders of betraying the sport’s legacy for personal gain.
UPBC Vice President Simon Katongole echoed Salim’s sentiments, placing blame squarely on UBF President Moses Muhangi.
“The biggest problem in Ugandan boxing is Muhangi,” Katongole stated, accusing the UBF of undermining progress by holding unauthorized meetings with select UPBC members.
Boxers and promoters remain divided on the merger. Boxer John Serunjog expressed cautious optimism, saying, “If they’re going to give us money, then it’s welcome.”
Conversely, promoter Eddy Bazila highlighted the need to preserve existing leadership structures, warning that instability could derail the sport.
In response to the merger requirements, the UPBC plans to form an interim committee and convene an annual general meeting next month to finalize the process.
Salim stated he is not opposed to the merger but cautioned the UBF against spreading what he described as false narratives about taking over professional boxing in Uganda.
