It’s high time Boxing returns to Schools for Uganda to shine again

By Emmanuel Sekago

Boxing has historically been Uganda’s most successful sport at the Olympics, with the nation earning a total of four medals—three silver and one bronze.

However, the current state of boxing in the country is far from promising, and the sport’s future looks uncertain. The root of the problem lies in the lack of early emphasis on boxing during the formative school years, which has led to a decline in the sport’s prominence and potential.

Today, the majority of Uganda’s boxing talent emerges from the ghettos, where athletes are often already entangled in a web of drugs, delinquency, and other harmful behaviors. By the time these individuals enter the sport, many are already struggling with personal challenges, such as drug addiction or even being married, which can hinder their potential to excel on the international stage.

Reintroducing boxing into schools is not just a suggestion—it is a necessity if Uganda is to regain its former glory in the sport. By integrating boxing into the school curriculum, young athletes can be exposed to the sport at an early age, allowing them to develop their skills in a structured and supportive environment. This approach offers several key benefits:

Early Talent Identification and Development Schools provide an ideal setting for identifying and nurturing young talent. With qualified coaches guiding them, students can develop their boxing skills from a young age, setting the foundation for future success in national and international competitions.

Boxing, when taught in schools, can be a powerful tool for instilling discipline, respect, and self-control in young athletes. The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), under the leadership of Moses Muhangi, has a number of qualified coaches with good morals who can serve as role models, helping students understand the dangers of drugs and the benefits of leading a healthy, disciplined life.

By reintroducing boxing into schools, Uganda can create a pipeline of young, talented athletes who are well-prepared to compete at the highest levels. This will not only increase the country’s chances of winning medals at the Olympics but also elevate Uganda’s standing in international and continental boxing competitions.

In a country where many young people face limited opportunities, boxing can offer a path to success. Schools can provide a safe and structured environment where students can pursue their passion for the sport while also focusing on their education.

It is high time for the Ministry of Sports to recognize the importance of boxing and take action to reintegrate it into the school system. There is a wealth of untapped talent in Uganda that is currently being wasted due to the lack of early exposure to the sport. By supporting initiatives to bring boxing back to schools, the Ministry can play a crucial role in revitalizing the sport and ensuring a brighter future for Ugandan boxing.

In interviews conducted by Wallnetnews, stakeholders shared their insights on the benefits of reintroducing boxing into schools, Promoting Discipline: “Boxing teaches discipline and resilience, qualities that are invaluable in both sports and life. Schools are the perfect place to instill these values in young athletes,” said a local sports coach.

“If we want to see Uganda excel in boxing again, we need to start with the basics—introducing the sport to children in schools. This will allow us to build a strong foundation for future success,” commented a former Uganda boxer.

“Bringing boxing back to schools will give our youth an opportunity to channel their energy into something positive. It’s not just about winning medals; it’s about giving young people a chance to succeed,” noted a community leader.

Reintroducing boxing into schools is a crucial step towards revitalizing the sport in Uganda. By nurturing young talent from an early age, providing moral and behavioral guidance, and offering opportunities for success, Uganda can once again become a dominant force in international boxing.

The Ministry of Sports, together with the Uganda Boxing Federation, must act now to ensure that this potential is not wasted. The time to bring boxing back to schools is now, and with it, the hope of seeing Uganda shine once more on the Olympic stage.