Boxing: Financial Constraints Cast Big Shadow Over National Team Preparations

May 10, 2019
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Boxing governing body in the Country, Uganda Boxing Federation is labouring to see through the National team’s preparations due to inadequate funds.

UBF President Moses Muhangi has claimed that his federation does not have a single coin at the moment depsite having drafted the plans for the team’s training program which will eat up around Sh100M.

The team of 60 bombers will commence training on Monday, May 13, at Lugogo ahead of the All Africa games and Olympics.

While addressing the pressmen in a briefing held at Lugogo, the stylish president cried out:

“We are already behind the schedule as many of our counterparts have already started their preparations but we will try to improvise. Our major concern is lack of funds and training facility.

“We have written to National Council of Sports mainly about the availability of the gym but no feedback yet. We have done everything in our own means but all in vein. We don’t have enough resources yet they will be waiting to receive us with our medals.”

The Bombers training at Hockey grounds last year. Courtesy photo

Muhangi added that government’s level of input in the Sports is still lacking unequal. He, as usual, gave an example of a National football team coach who is paid about Sh40M monthly by government yet nothing is received by the Boxing coach, a sport which has brought more success.

“They will say that am fighting wars, but am just against Injustice and am being realistic about this,” added Muhangi.

National Team Training Program

During the briefing, President Muhangi clearly revealed that the new training procedure to get the boxers to represent Uganda is going to be free and fair, than ever before.

The new process has put in process to eliminate hand picking which has seen many able boxers left out in favour of friends.

The summoned team of 60 includes the boxers who triumphed at National Open which was held recently at Lugogo’s indoor arena. The team is made up of 19 girls and 41 boys.

The list also includes Commonwealth bronze medalist Juma Miiro who missed the open because of an injury and some boxers who it was felt that they deserved to win but hindered by poor officiating during the national Open like Benedict Ogora, Ssali Marvin, Brian Sekyegwe and Brian Kamya.

Medal prospect: Juma Miiro in action. Courtesy photo

The process will involve non residential training starting on Monday before the trials on around May 26 (or early June).

After then, the two winners from each category will share different camps, in a move to prevent player conflicts which may include personal attacks and witchcrafts. Eliminations will be done in July.

A national coaches committee has also been put in place with the coaches who will be chosen to train the national team, be selected on merit – Performance on National open will be considered, except for National Team coach Patrick Lihanda.

The Summoned team:

Light Fly
Busingye Champion (Police), Joshua Kiiza (Kalinabiri), Yasin Mugambwa (Katwe BC), Gerald Aiga (Army BC), Benedict Ogola (East Coast)

Fly
Ambrose Katongole (East Coast), Mohammed Lwanga (Katwe), Ronald Gayita (COBAP), Moses Kabuka (Police), Juma Miiro

Bantam
Frank Muhayirwe (KCCA), Isaac Masembe (COBAP), Henry Lule (Busabala), Rodger Kamulegeya (University), Sali Marvin (Lukanga).

Light Weight
Yasin Adinan (Muttajazi), Sali Wasswa (Lukanga), Frank Sempisa (Kalinabiri), Ssentongo Sowali (Rise and Shine), Brian Ssekyegwe (Kololo High)

Light Welter
Joshua Tukamuhebwa (East Coast), Isaac Sebuufu (University of pain), Abdu Sebulime (Lukanga), Lawrence Tamale (Kololo High)

Welter
Shadir Musa (East Coast), Isaac Semujju (KCCA), Hamid Daku (KBC), Frank Serugo (Ice Mark).

Middle
Joshua Male (Zana), Med Lubega (Lukanga), Joseph Owino (UPDF), Ivan Magumba (Police).

Light Heavy
Muza Latigo (Ice Mark), Sofas Dumba (Kololo High), Alex Kakooza (Najja), Dan Nsubuga (Kololo High)

Heavy
Yusuf Babu (COBAP), Emma Kyambadde (Lukanga), Paul Kayondo (Zebra), Yafe Kimuli (Army BC), Kanya Abdu (Kololo High)

Super Heavy
Solomon Geko (Lukanga), Mike Omakech (East Coast), Mudde Kibe (Kololo High), Geoffrey Dungu (UPDF)

Women

Fly
Jalia Nali (Zebra), Sarah Nantongo (Police).

Bantam
Maureen Ajambo (Zebra), Musa Amina (UPDF)

Light Welter
Vivian Apio (UPDF), Rebbeca Among (Police), Maureen Among (Zebra), Lydia Nantale (Lukanga).

Welter
Emily Nakalema (Katwe), Scovia Nakayibale ( Zebra)

Middle
Joy Namabiro (Zebra), Rosette Nabwiire (Power Gym)