Ugandan boxing star Frank Kiwalabye, widely known as “Black Fire in the Ring,” has spoken out strongly against the political hijacking of the sport, after viral footage surfaced showing men in yellow shirts—allegedly claiming to be boxers—engaging in violence during a recent political event.
The incident unfolded earlier this month when President Yoweri Museveni picked up his nomination forms ahead of the 2026 elections.
The event drew massive crowds of supporters dressed in the ruling party’s trademark yellow. But amid the celebrations, chaos broke out.
Videos showed men in yellow, some described as boxers, attacking bystanders. Tragically, reports emerged that a few Ugandans lost their lives in the clashes.
Adding fuel to the controversy, another video surfaced showing WBC Africa welterweight champion Latibu Muwonge standing alongside some of the same individuals involved in the violence. That image has drawn sharp criticism from within Uganda’s boxing community.
Speaking to NBS Sport, Kiwalabye didn’t mince his words.
“The name ‘boxer’ in Uganda has been spoiled by political leaders,” he said. “They go after people who call themselves boxers but aren’t actually boxers. I saw Latibu, an African champion, but he’s in a space where no one is advising him.”
Kiwalabye, who recently clinched a WBU title and is targeting the WBC silver belt, voiced disappointment that a top-ranked athlete like Latibu would allow himself to be used in such a setting.
“He needs to advise himself,” Kiwalabye said. “He’s known worldwide. Kids look up to him. It’s not a good look for boxing when you’re seen among people who are beating others.”
He directed an urgent appeal to Uganda Boxing Federation President Moses Muhangi, urging him to discipline those tarnishing the sport’s image.
“If you say you’re working hard to lift boxing and put it on the global map, then clean house. These people spoil the name of boxing. They don’t even compete. They just claim the title.”
Kiwalabye issued a broader warning as Uganda enters a tense political season: “People will start saying it’s boxers who beat voters. But how can you ask for support from the same people you beat?”
