New Uganda Boxing Federation executive vows to uplift standards, preaches unity

The newly ushered in Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) Executive Committee has vowed to uplift the standards of the game.

In their first press briefing with the media adjacent the main federation offices, the Executive members led by the president Moses Muhangi flanked by the patron Godfrey Nyakaana promised a complete overhaul in line of their duties.

For starters, Moses Muhangi was on 20^th January 2018 voted into office for a four year tenure at Kati Kati restaurant in Kampala.

In his acknowledgment speech, Muhangi lauded the boxing clubs that entrusted him with the mandate to administer boxing affairs.

Muhangi hinted on capacity building, accountability, technical development, spreading the game to the country side as well as engaging the former Uganda boxing icons to develop the game.

Donned in an black attire, Muhangi, with his jovial face remarked;

First of all, I thanked all the 37 clubs that voted for me. We need more interaction with the clubs if we are to take boxing to another level.

We have taken over office from scratches. We are in negatives at the moment but we shall inject in personal resources for the good of the game.

Capacity building:

He talked of education of coaches, referees and judges as a way of empowering the several stake holders of the game.

In my tenure, capacity building will be key. I emphasize the training of coaches, referees and judges.

This will be a key priority on my agenda.

I will also front the creation of several active working committees like marketing, administration and technical committees.

Together with my administration, we shall account for each and every penny got from clubs, sponsors and other sources.

Technical development:

Muhangi also hinted on plans to spread the game across the divide which will in turn impact on tapping of more talented players.

 I will also emphasize the technical development of the game. There is urgent need to spread the game of boxing across the different regions and districts. We shall start with Kampala District with all the divisions.

He has promised to employ full time staff to serve the game as well as engage actively with all the former Uganda’s proven boxers and ex-Internationals as Moses Mutumba, Godfrey Nyaakana, John ‘The Beast’ Mugabi, Dennis Rukundo, Zebra Ssenyange and many others.

Positive Mindset:

In his brief address, patron of the federation Godfrey Nyakaana called for a positive mindset among all the boxing stake holders.

It is time to move forward. We need a positive mindset if we are to take this game to the desired next level.

Ugandan Boxing ranks third on the African scene. We should be proud of this.

No other federation is up there like we do. We shall not just sit back to witness wars. It is time to work and the time is now.

General Secretary Simon Barigo termed the new executive as a ‘new wine’.

This is like introduction of a new wine.

Boxing started way back in the 1950’s.

We have never had an office that is fully furnished.

Today, we are here with it. This is just the beginning. We grow as boxers, as a nation”

Office face lift:

Meanwhile, the newly furnished office at Lugogo was also officially launched on the day.

The office has new furniture and fittings as well.

Barigo also hinted on the federation calendar events and activities.

Uganda Boxing Federation Executive Committee (2018-2022):

• President: Moses Muhangi
• Vice President (Administration): Fred Kavuma
• Vice President (Technical): Vacant
• General Secretary: Simon Barigo
• Publicity Secretary: Sulaiman ‘Mr Nankulabye’ Ssenyonjo
• Treasurer: Richard Muhumuza
• Organizing Secretary: Akram Buyondo – Organizing Secretary
• Member: Nannyonjo
• Patron: Godfrey Nyakaana
• National Coach: Zebra ‘Mando’ Ssenyange

Events:

• Intermediates – 10^th – 18^th February 2018
• National Open – 3^rd – 10^th March 2018 – Lugogo
• Convening the National Team – After the National Open
• Trial Date of National Team (Bombers) – 17^th March 2018
• Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) General Assembly – (Date to be confirmed before end of February 2018)
• Induction course of officials – After March 2018
• Training of referees and Judges – March 2018
• High Level Coaching Course– June 2018
• Consultative Meeting for Boxing fraternity – July 2018
• National Boxing League: April – October 2018