Uganda Bombers head coach Lawrence Kalyango believes his boxers have what it takes to compete for honours at the 2026 African Boxing Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships, which begin today at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya.
Kalyango is banking on the team’s recent competitive action, experience and familiarity with his coaching methods as Uganda takes on 19 other nations at the October 15-28 championships.
“This is my third time leading the nation at the African Boxing Championships. We have been to Congo-Brazzaville and Mozambique, and this is the third,” Kalyango said.
Uganda has sent a 28-member delegation comprising 18 boxers, three coaches, two referees and five officials. The team features 10 men and eight women selected from the top performers in their respective Boxing Champions League weight categories.
Kalyango said the selection was based on performance, with the technical team picking boxers who led their divisions.
“The selection was done by the technical team and based on who was leading in their particular Boxing Champions League weight category, which automatically makes them number one,” he said.
The coach also consulted the boxers’ respective coaches to ensure they remained in training before joining the national camp, given the short notice for the competition.
“I had to talk to the coaches of these players, since I am their head in the country. That helped with their training until they joined camp, especially because this tournament came abruptly,” he added.
Although Kalyango missed the previous championships in Cameroon, he is confident Uganda’s boxers have had enough competitive action to challenge their opponents in Nairobi.
“One thing I can assure you is that the boys in camp have been in action, unlike those of other countries, and are in good shape. We also have some players from the Commonwealth Games who have the experience to do exceptional things,” he said.
He also believes the trust he has built with the team through previous competitions will count in Uganda’s favour.
“The boys and the whole team know me and believe in me as a coach, since we have been to many tournaments together,” Kalyango added.
Men’s captain Ukasha Matovu, who competes in the 70kg category, and women’s skipper Diana Atwine (81kg) will lead Uganda’s challenge in Nairobi.
Kalyango said captains are selected not only for their boxing ability but also for their discipline, relationships with teammates and ability to inspire younger athletes.
“The captains are picked based on how you relate with your teammates, your discipline and whether the young ones can look up to you in all your ways,” he explained.
The championships also offer Uganda’s boxers an opportunity to collect points towards qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
However, Kalyango is keen to keep his team focused on the immediate challenge rather than looking too far ahead.
“The main goal at the moment might be the Olympics, but it is too far. I would always want to look at this immediate trip,” he said.
The championships, organised under the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) in alignment with World Boxing, run until October 28 and feature 20 countries, including hosts Kenya, Egypt, Angola, Algeria and Nigeria.
Kenya’s Hit Squad will field a full team across the men’s and women’s weight classes, while Nigeria will compete in 10 categories, with five male and five female boxers.
Uganda’s delegation is led by Uganda Boxing Federation executive committee member and organising secretary Ibrahim Sekiziyivu.
Uganda’s squad
Men: Bruno Kakande (50kg), Samuel Nsubuga (bantamweight), Khassim Mulungi (60kg), Innocent Amoko (65kg), Ukasha Matovu (70kg), Alfred Ojok (75kg), Richard Kasujja (80kg), Arafat Kibirige (85kg), Ringo Aziiz (90kg) and Emmanuel Tabule (over 90kg).
Women: Rashida Nakawoza (48kg), Brendah Muduwa (51kg), Peninah Amoding (54kg), Vanessa Nagawa (57kg), Fatuma Nabikolo (60kg), Erina Namutebi (65kg) and Diana Atwine (81kg).
Coaching and Technical Staff: Lawrence Kalyango, Akram Ssenvewo, Eric Nyeko, Ramadhan Sseguya and Hassan Abdu Asuni.
Administrative Officials: Ibrahim Sekizivu (Head of Delegation), Phillip Munaabi, Phiona Nayebare, Kenneth Ruyondo and Ismail Mbabazi.
Referees: Stephen Tulibagenyi and Ronald Samuel Kasirye.
With Uganda’s competition yet to start, the Bombers will look to turn their short preparation into results as they carry Uganda’s hopes onto the continental stage and pursue valuable points towards the 2028 Olympics.