The absence of boxing in Ugandan schools starts to bite

By Emmanuel Sekago

The sport of boxing in Uganda has suffered greatly due to governmental negligence, which has created significant barriers to the development of talent and the success of athletes on the international stage.

The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), led by President Moses Muhangi, has consistently pleaded with the Physical Education Department (PES) to allow the sport back into schools to tap into young talents.

However, these pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The lack of support from the National Council of Sports in terms of funding, combined with inadequate infrastructure, has further compounded the challenges, ultimately preventing Ugandan boxers from qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Additionally, poor preparations have exacerbated the situation.

The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), under Moses Muhangi’s leadership, has repeatedly highlighted the importance of reintroducing boxing into school programs.

Schools are essential for identifying and nurturing young talent, providing a structured environment where potential boxers can develop their skills from an early age.

Despite these efforts, the PES has shown a concerning lack of interest in addressing this issue.

By ignoring the calls to reintegrate boxing into schools, the government is missing out on a vital opportunity to cultivate future champions and secure the sport’s long-term growth.

Funding for boxing in Uganda is another significant issue.

The National Council of Sports has not provided the necessary financial support for the sport to thrive.

Adequate funding is crucial for various aspects of the sport, including training programs, equipment, coaching, and participation in international competitions.

Without sufficient financial backing, Ugandan boxers struggle to access the resources they need to train effectively and compete at the highest levels.

This lack of funding is a clear indication of the government’s disregard for the sport and its potential to elevate Uganda’s status on the global stage.

The state of boxing infrastructure in Uganda is lamentable.

Quality training facilities are essential for athletes to develop their skills and prepare for international competitions. Unfortunately, the current infrastructure is outdated and poorly maintained.

Many boxers are forced to train in substandard conditions, which not only hampers their performance but also poses significant health and safety risks.

The government’s failure to invest in modern, well-equipped training facilities has been a major obstacle to the development of boxing in Uganda.

The combination of these issues lack of school programs, insufficient funding, and poor infrastructure has severely impacted Uganda’s prospects for boxing success on the international stage.

Qualifying for the Olympic Games requires rigorous preparation, access to quality training facilities, and the opportunity to compete in international qualifiers.

However, the government’s negligence has left Ugandan boxers at a significant disadvantage, hindering their chances of qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Conclusion, The government’s negligence in supporting the sport of boxing in Uganda is a matter of great concern.

By not allowing the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) to reintegrate boxing into schools, failing to provide adequate funding, and neglecting the necessary infrastructure, the government has stifled the growth and potential of boxing in the country.

The cries of President Moses Muhangi and the persistent pleas to the Physical Education Department have gone unheeded, further exacerbating the situation.

As a result, Uganda’s chances of having boxers qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have been significantly diminished.

It is imperative that the government reevaluates its stance and takes concrete steps to support boxing, ensuring that future generations of Ugandan boxers can achieve their dreams and bring glory to the nation.