UBF Tables UGX 22.2bn Budget, Sets February 2026 Elections in Motion
By Kayiira Jackson
The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) has set its sights firmly on revival, growth and continuity after unveiling a UGX 22.2 billion budget during its Annual General Assembly held on Friday at Lugogo Indoor Arena in Kampala.
In a meeting that blended ambition with political significance, delegates unanimously passed a UGX 22,259,101,500 budget for the upcoming financial year — a statement of intent aimed at strengthening boxing from grassroots to elite international competition.
At the heart of the budget is a clear shift toward development. The largest allocation, UGX 1 billion, has been earmarked for competition equipment for schools and boxing clubs, underscoring UBF’s renewed focus on talent identification and nurturing young boxers at entry level.
“If we are to develop boxing, we must go back to the grassroots,” UBF President Moses Muhangi told the Assembly. “Schools are the breeding ground and they hold the future of all sports in Uganda.”
The Boxing Champions League, widely regarded as one of UBF’s most innovative projects, received the second-largest allocation of UGX 737,464,000. Since its inception, the league has transformed local boxing, offering structured competition, visibility and income opportunities for boxers.
“This is a game-changing product,” Muhangi said. “Funding it will keep improving it and, in the long run, it will become a serious employment platform for our youthful boxing community.”
International ambition also featured prominently, with UGX 390,635,000 set aside for preparations toward the 2026 All Africa Games, as UBF seeks to ensure Ugandan boxers remain competitive on the continental stage.
Beyond finances, the Assembly carried major governance implications. February 18, 2026, was officially confirmed as the date for UBF elections, with the electoral roadmap expected by mid-January. Muhangi, whose second term ends in February, confirmed he will seek a third term after first assuming office on January 18, 2022.
“Our term expires in February and constitutionally we must organize elections,” he said. “This election will also align us with the new Sports Act, which requires federation leadership to be elected by representatives from more than 50 percent of Uganda’s districts.”
Despite the optimistic projections, Muhangi voiced concern over limited government funding, revealing that UBF received only UGX 260 million from the National Council of Sports (NCS) in the past year — a figure he described as inadequate.
“This is pocket change compared to our responsibilities,” he noted. “We ran most of our activities in deficit. Administrative costs, Champions League competitions, three national team outings, National Novices and National Open championships all require substantial resources.”
As UBF balances bold plans, financial constraints and an impending election, the Lugogo Assembly marked a defining moment. With a massive budget approved, grassroots boxing prioritized and leadership continuity on the ballot, Ugandan boxing now stands at a crossroads — between ambition and reality, reform and results.