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?”

The post Ugandan Boxer “Black Fire” Slams Politicization of the Sport appeared first on NBS Sport.

Speaking at a press conference at Club Obligato, Kampala, where the fight will be held on June 7, 2025, the Ugandan boxer explained the timing of his comeback and what the title means to him.

“The reason I have come back now is because I am a professional in this boxing game,” said Kiwalabye. “I have returned to fight for the WBU title. I don’t get lost; I stay around, training. As you know, I am a star, and I don’t have to be seen all the time. A star only comes out to be seen when it’s their time.”

Kiwalabye, who has 18 wins from 20 professional fights, 14 by knockout, stressed the importance of the WBU title in his broader ambitions.

“This belt adds a lot to me and pushes me because every belt has its own value to reach other belts that you want. It also helps me promote my country,” he said.

He acknowledged the quality of his opponent but expressed full confidence in his own preparations. “I have been training and I am in shape. The opponent I am going to fight with is good, but I am good as well.”

The event is sanctioned by the Uganda Boxing Federation.

Kisairo, a 27-year-old bantamweight from Temboni, Tanzania, will step into the ring opposite a fighter who once held the ABU Africa Bantamweight title in 2022 and remains a symbol of boxing excellence in Uganda.

The post “A Star Only Comes Out When It’s Their Time”: Kiwalabye Speaks on Boxing Return appeared first on NBS Sport.