Ogwel issues stern warning to Boxing factions as Bombers target African glory

At the National Council of Sports (NCS) headquarters on Tuesday afternoon, a powerful double narrative unfolded for Ugandan boxing. On one side stood the Uganda Bombers, uniform-clad and eager to embark on a quest for continental glory in Nairobi.

On the other stood the stark reality of administrative turbulence, prompting a resolute government ultimatum.

Stepping up to flag off the national squad ahead of their October 15 departure for the African Boxing Championships, NCS General Secretary Dr Patrick Bernard Ogwel did not hold back.

Balancing firm administration with national pride, Ogwel warned rival boxing factions that the government’s patience had run out: respect the law, or face immediate arrest and prosecution.

For months, administrative conflict has hovered over Ugandan boxing. Addressing the crowd, Ogwel revealed that government officials had held multiple reconciliation meetings with groups involved in the leadership dispute, but those mediation efforts failed to produce a resolution.

Standing before the fighters, coaches, and sports administrators, Ogwel made it clear that the state is ready to enforce order.

“I want to extend appreciation to the president of the Uganda Boxing Federation for building up the sport and making it vibrant amidst many challenges,” Ogwel remarked, commending UBF President Moses Muhangi.

“I want to thank you particularly for keeping our boxers busy by giving them what to do. Indeed, as government, boxing is one of our prized sports, and we have offered all the support.”

However, Ogwel emphasised that state support is anchored in statutory compliance. The law, he reminded everyone, recognises only one governing body per sport: the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF).

“The law and the legal regime have mandated only one national sports organisation, registered with the National Council of Sports, to be allowed to manage one sport,” Ogwel insisted. “And I want to reiterate that this position is the position of the government of Uganda, not the National Council of Sports.”

Tracing the legal timeline, Ogwel noted that he issued an official instrument on September 15 directing all entities involved in boxing to follow UBF guidance. That was followed on October 2 by a direct directive from the Attorney General to the Inspector General of Police.

“And now the extent we have gone may force us to start biting. And when I say biting, we will apply the law the way it is,” Ogwel warned sternly. “Tomorrow we are going to start arresting people and prosecuting.”

He reassured the audience that the crackdown is neither personal nor political, but a necessary step to protect a sport that offers life-changing paths to young Ugandans.

“The athletes should be supported. The federation should provide the platform for development of the sport. So any form of interference will not be tolerated,” he added, promising that the NCS will publish an official list of fully compliant and licensed national sports federations before the end of October.

Funding the Prize** f****ighters**

Ogwel then turned to the economics driving the sport. He revealed that while the government allocates Shs1 billion to boxing, the sum falls short for a discipline that ranks second only to athletics in Uganda’s all-time international medal tally.

“For the people of the media who are inquisitive, the allocation for boxing is one billion. But that is not enough,” Ogwel acknowledged.

“What we are looking forward to is increasing it, because boxing is a big sport for us.”

He called for strategic investment and steady leadership, arguing that administrative stability is the key to unlocking funding growth and bringing boxing to its full potential.

Eyes on Nairobi, hearts set on Los Angeles 2028

With the legal landscape made clear, Ogwel shifted his focus to the 18 boxers preparing to step into the ring in Kenya. The tournament, which runs through October 28, is more than a regional showcase; Ogwel challenged the squad to look past short-term victories and set their sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the September 2027 African Games in Egypt.

“You are not going to compete to win a trophy or a medal. You are going to compete and qualify,” Ogwel charged the team. “There are points that you will earn to make you be among the best African boxers to be given licence to go and participate in those major events. So I don’t want to look at the medal. The president is saying, ‘I want a gold,’ but go beyond the gold.”

The journey to Los Angeles is structured across several key milestones;

• 2027

  : The World Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.

• 2027–2028

  : The African continental qualification tournament in Abuja, Nigeria.

• 2028

  : Two global qualification tournaments held in Italy and Hungary.

Under international rules, Africa holds 14 direct Olympic quota places split evenly across seven men’s and seven women’s weight classes, along with eight Universality Places (four for men and four for women).

Each National Olympic Committee can qualify a maximum of seven boxers, one per weight class.

To be eligible, athletes must be born between January 1, 1988, and December 31, 2009, while maintaining full compliance with anti-doping regulations, the Olympic Charter, and World Boxing technical rules.

Crucially, earned quota places belong directly to individual boxers rather than their federations, making every round in Nairobi a vital step toward personal destiny.

Discipline and dedication

Addressing the athletes directly, Ogwel reminded the Bombers of the responsibility that comes with wearing the national colours abroad.

“When you go out, you are not going to represent the federation. You are going to represent your country, Uganda,” he declared.

He cautioned the fighters against ego, urging them to respect their coaches and managers;

“Sometimes we see these problems when athletes feel so big because you are a very good boxer. You don’t want to believe in what your coach is telling you. And that alone affects your performance.”

His guidance covered every aspect of an athlete’s life. Ogwel issued a clear warning against smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse, urging the squad to train hard, eat well, and stick to professional routines. He also advised them to abstain from sexual activity during competition to maintain physical conditioning and mental clarity.

Incentives, high tables, and suited dreams

To inspire the squad, Ogwel announced that the government has set aside Shs1 billion in the current financial year to reward national athletes for outstanding performances, with the NCS board actively working out implementation details.

The incentive scheme includes continental championships, while athletes who previously represented Uganda at the African Games and Commonwealth Games are also set to receive their rewards.

“We now have a law where our athletes who perform well should be recognised. And definitely, I now have a budget of one billion starting this financial year,” Ogwel explained, stressing that while financial rewards serve as inspiration, national pride must remain the core motivation.

He shared that the Minister of Sports has written to the President requesting a state reception for medal-winning national teams.

“Come back with a medal so that you sit at the high table with the president,” Ogwel told the boxers with a smile.

He assured the team that government funds for their trip are being processed, adding that officials will monitor their progress in Nairobi and may join them in Kenya if they reach the finals.

As a gesture of support, Ogwel pledged 10 pairs of fighting gloves and punching pads to UBF for training. Looking to the future, he expressed a desire to elevate the team’s presentation on the global stage.

“Next time I also want them to put on suits, waiting for Bombers. I want to see them in suits only. So we’ll work it out with you,” he envisioned.

Reflecting on the flag-off, noting it had been a long time since he personally sent off the Bombers, Ogwel closed with warm words of confidence for a squad filled with proven champions;

“When I look at the faces here, and I have heard very religiously from the president, many of you have been winning medals. So if you are a champion here, you should go wherever your head is high, and I hope that you will give us the results.”

The 28-member contingent

Led by UBF executive committee member and organising secretary Ibrahim Sekiziyivu, the 28-member delegation features 18 boxers (Best in their respective Boxing Champions League weights), three coaches, two referees, and five officials.

Men’s Squad

• 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)
• Emmanuel Tabule (Over 90kg)

Women’s Squad

• Rashida Nakawoza (48kg)
• Brendah Muduwa (51kg)
• Peninah Amoding (54kg)
• Vanessa Nagawa (57kg)
• Fatuma Nabikolo (60kg)
• Erina Namutebi (65kg)
• Diana Atwine (81kg)

Coaches and Technical Personnel

Lawrence Kalyango, Akram Ssenvewo, Eric Nyeko, Ramadhan Sseguya, and Hassan Abdu Asuni (including three coaches and support personnel).

Administrative Officials

Ibrahim Sekizivu (Head of Delegation), Phillip Munaabi, Phiona Nayebare, Kenneth Ruyondo, and Ismail Mbabazi.

Referees

Stephen Tulibagenyi and Ronald Samuel Kasirye.

The spotlight now turns to Nairobi, where the Uganda Bombers carry both the nation’s pride and its Olympic dreams into the ring, since the goal here is to pick up points for the 2028 LA Olympics.

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