“We’re going to bite”,Ogwel Warns Rival Boxing Factions as Uganda Heads to Africa Championship
By Kayiira Jackson
National Council of Sports (NCS) general secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel has warned rival factions in Ugandan boxing against challenging the recognised leadership of the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), threatening legal action to resolve the ongoing leadership wrangles.
Ogwel made the remarks on Wednesday at Copper Chimney, Lugogo, while flagging off Uganda’s 28-member contingent to the Africa Boxing Championship in Nairobi, Kenya.
He insisted that the government recognises UBF as the sole governing body for boxing in the country, warning groups challenging its authority that the authorities were prepared to enforce the law.
“We have had a big challenge in the game of boxing; everyone wants to be the president. But I want to tell you that there is only one president at a go,” Ogwel said.
He added: “To the extent we have gone, we’re now going to start biting, and when we say biting, we are going to use the law.”
Ogwel further warned that individuals or groups seeking to represent Uganda outside the recognised federation could face action from the authorities.
“When I hear that there is another group that is going to represent Uganda, I am telling you, we’re starting with that group. We have only one federation that is recognised by the government of Uganda,” he said.
His remarks appeared directed at the Friends of Boxing faction, which has challenged the federation’s leadership and claims legitimacy in the administration of the sport.
Away from the leadership dispute, Ogwel urged the boxers travelling to Nairobi to treat the continental championship as part of Uganda’s wider preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
He cautioned the team against focusing solely on winning medals in Nairobi, challenging them to use the competition as a stepping stone towards success on the Olympic stage.
“What is important is that we’re starting on the journey of the Africa Championship and a road to the Olympic Games in 2028 in LA. So I don’t want you to look for only the medals; look beyond that because we want you to get us a medal at the bigger stage,” Ogwel said.
He also praised UBF president Moses Muhangi for keeping boxers active despite the challenges facing the sport.
“I want to thank the Boxing Federation president for promoting the game of boxing amidst all the challenges. I want to thank you particularly for making the boxers busy by giving them what to do,” he added.
Uganda is sending 18 boxers, comprising 10 men and eight women, as part of a 28-member contingent travelling by road aboard a Mosaic bus.
The team, which was scheduled to depart at 3:00pm on Wednesday, will compete against representatives from at least 35 nations at the continental championship.
UBF president Muhangi challenged the boxers to return with medals, emphasising the importance of the competition in the build-up to the 2028 Olympic qualification process.
“We’re asking you to go and bring medals. Take this tournament very seriously because it’s the precursor for the Olympic 2028 qualifier,” Muhangi said.
Uganda’s participation in Nairobi comes as the federation seeks to strengthen its boxers’ competitive readiness while navigating internal leadership disputes that Ogwel says must be addressed through the law.
Traveling team:
Men’s Squad
Bruno Kakande — Flyweight (50kg)
Samuel Nsubuga — Bantamweight
Khassim Mulungi — Lightweight (60kg)
Innocent Amoko — Welterweight (65kg)
Ukasha Matovu — Light Middleweight (70kg)
Alfred Ojok — Middleweight (75kg)
Richard Kasuja — Light Heavyweight (80kg)
Arafat Kibirige — Cruiserweight (85kg)
Ringo Aziiz — Heavyweight (90kg)
Emmanuel Tabule — Super Heavyweight (90kg+)
Women’s Squad
Rashida Nakawoza — Light Flyweight (48kg)
Brendah Muduwa — Flyweight (51kg)
Peninah Amoding — Bantamweight (54kg)
Vanessa Nagawa — Featherweight (57kg)
Fatuma Nabikolo — Lightweight (60kg)
Erina Namutebi — Welterweight (65kg)
Diana Atwine — Heavyweight (81kg)
Officials
Lawrence Kalyango (Head Coach)
Akram Ssenvewo
Eric Nyeko
Ramadhan Sseguya
Hassan Abdu Asuni
Phillip Munaabi (UBF Official)
Ibrahim Sekiziyu
Phiona Nayebare
Keneth Ruyondo
Isma Mbabazi (Media attache)
Stephen Tulibagenyi (Referee)
Ronald Samuel Kasirye (Referee)