Uganda has named 18 boxers for the 2026 African Boxing Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, with the Bombers stepping up preparations at Lugogo in Kampala ahead of their departure on October 15.
The team comprises 10 men and eight women who will compete at the continental championship, which runs until October 28, when the contingent is expected back home.
The 28-member delegation will be led by Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) executive committee member and organising secretary Ibrahim Sekiziyivu. It includes 18 boxers, three coaches, two referees and five officials.
The Bombers are undergoing intensive training at Lugogo as they prepare to test themselves against Africa’s best.
The men’s team features Bruno Kakande (50kg), Sam Nsubuga (55kg), Khassim Mulungi (60kg), Innocent Amoko (65kg), Ukasha Matovu (70kg), Alfred Ojok (75kg), Richard Kasujja (80kg), Arafat Kibirige (85kg), Aziiz Ringo (90kg) and Emmanuel Tabule (Over 90kg).
The women’s team comprises Rashidah Nalwooza (48kg), Brendah Muduwa (51kg), Peninah Amoding (54kg), Fatuma Nabikolo (57kg), Vanessa Nagawa (60kg), Erina Namutebi (65kg), Jesca Akello (70kg) and Diana Atwine (81kg).
The coaching team comprises Lawrence Kalayngo, Akram Ssenvewo and Eric Nyeko. Stephen Tulibagenyi and Ronald Samuel Kasirye will serve as referees.
The five officials are Phillip Munaabi, Ibrahim Sekiziyivu, Phiona Nayebare, Kenneth Ruyondo and Isma Mbabazi.
Building on past success
The Bombers head to Nairobi seeking another strong showing after winning seven medals at the 2023 African Boxing Championships in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Uganda competed with 17 boxers at the July 25 to August 6, 2023 event, with Joshua Tukamuhebwa as captain.
The men’s squad comprised Joseph Kalema (48kg Minimumweight), Wasswa Ssali (60kg Lightweight), Ukasha Matovu (67kg Welterweight), Lawrence Kaytwa (86kg Cruiserweight), Solomon Geko (over 92kg Super Heavyweight), Ronald Okello (75kg Middleweight), Joshua Tukamuhebwa (63.5kg Light Welterweight), Muzamir Semuddu (71kg Light Middleweight), Idris Mukiibi (80kg Light Heavyweight), James Baraka (92kg Heavyweight) and Khassim Mulungi (57kg Featherweight).
The women’s team featured Grace Nakinga (50kg Flyweight), Shalua Ndagire (57kg Featherweight), Zahara Nandaula (63.5kg Light Welterweight), Erina Namutebi (60kg Lightweight), Emily Nakalema (67kg Welterweight) and Nadia Najjemba (54kg Bantamweight).
Matovu and Mulungi return for the 2026 championship, alongside Namutebi, who moves from the 60kg category to 65kg.
Uganda also competed at the 2022 African Amateur Boxing Championships in Maputo, Mozambique, following the Commonwealth Games.
Tukamuhebwa captained that team, which included Jonah Kyobe (Featherweight), Owen Kibira (Welterweight), Isaac Ssenyange (Light Middleweight), Yusuf Nkobeza (Middleweight), Teddy Nakimuli (Light Flyweight) and Idris Mukiibi (Light Heavyweight).
With the Nairobi championship approaching, the Bombers will hope their preparations at Lugogo translate into medals when competition begins.
The team leaves Uganda on October 15 and is expected to return on October 28.