When Moses Muhangi was voted into office on January 20, 2018 to head the Uganda Boxing Federation, there was a lot of optimism that change had come to the sport for the better.
In his acknowledgement speech Muhangi said: “We shall not just sit back to witness wars. It is time to work and the time is now.”
True to his word, Muhangi and his federation got to work and with the 2018 Commonwealth Games knocking, a provisional list of boxers was released for a training camp at Lugogo.
Lawrence Kalyango, Patrick Lihenda, Charles Lubulwa, China Kasumba and Muhammed Kateregga handled the boxers for a couple of weeks and last evening (Sunday, March 4), trials were held at Lugogo Indoor Stadium to select the Bombers to represent the country at the Commonwealth Games.
Nine fighters made through the filter and will take part in the ‘Bingwa wa ma Bingwa’ tournament in Tanzania as they continue to be put in shape.
“I am impressed with talent displayed today,” UBF President Muhangi said after the trials. “I still believe a lot still needs to be done and we are going to continue putting these fighters in right shape and to the required standards.”
The team could be trimmed down to five depending on their performance in Tanzania.
Captain Musa Shadir Bwogi, Nasir Bashir, Joshua Kiiza, Juma Miiro, Joshua Nyanzi and Latib Muwonge won their fights, Solomon Geko’s opponent (Shafik Kiwanuka) did not show up while Ken Mubazzi and Reagan Ssimbwa had no opponents.
Bouts Summary
- Light flyweight (49 Kgs): Joshua Kiiza defeat Umar Mutebi
- Flyweight (52 Kgs): Juma Miiro defeated Moses Kabuuka
- Bantam (56 Kgs): Bashir Nasir defeated Marvin Ssali
- Lightweight (60 Kgs): Joshua Nyanzi defeated Moses Asiya
- Light Welterweight (64 Kgs): Latib Muwonge defeated Tony Mukiibi
- Super Welterweight (69 Kgs): Shadir Musa defeated David Ssemujju
