Transformation tale of Ugandan Boxing under Moses Muhangi’s leadership

By Emmanuel Sekago

Boxing in Uganda has experienced a significant transformation in recent years, thanks to the leadership of Moses Muhangi, the democratically elected President of the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF).

Historically, corporate companies were hesitant to invest in boxing due to its turbulent past.

However, under Muhangi’s stewardship, the sport has seen a resurgence in reputation and corporate interest, reflecting the positive changes in the federation and the sport’s overall image.

Born on November 5, 1990, in Mulago, Kampala, Moses Muhangi is the firstborn of seven children to Mr. John Patrick Kapere and Miss Nakawuka Florence.

Muhangi’s educational background includes a Diploma in Law from the Law Development Centre, an International Technical Officer for Football Boxing Certificate from the International Boxing Association (IBA), and a Certificate in Political Science from the Kyankwanzi National Training Institute for Military and Political Science.

Muhangi’s rise to the presidency of the UBF came in January 2018, following a contentious election.

His election was initially challenged by the incumbent president, Kenneth Gimugu, who sought to nullify the results through a petition to the High Court.

However, on March 2, 2018, Lady Justice Lydia Mugambe ruled in Muhangi’s favor, solidifying his position as the federation’s president.

In his initial months in office, Muhangi introduced a transformative five-point program focusing on Accountability, Structures, Transparency, Discipline, and Exchange Programs.

These initiatives have led to a substantial increase in registered boxers, growing from 110 to 481, and an expansion in the number of schools participating in boxing championships from 10 to 27.

One of Muhangi’s notable actions was his petition to the Minister of Education and Sports for a more equitable distribution of the sports budget for the 2019-2020 financial year.

At the time, FUFA received UGX 10bn of the UGX 17.4bn sports budget, leaving UGX 4bn for all other federations and UGX 3bn for the National Council of Sports.

Re-elected unopposed in January 2022, Muhangi’s leadership has seen continuous progress.

The UBF has successfully established a national league, the Boxing Champions League, attracting significant corporate sponsorship.

The discipline and professionalism of boxers, both in and out of the ring, have markedly improved.

The Uganda Boxing Federation was even ranked as the best-performing sports federation in Uganda, according to the Uganda National Council of Sports Annual Monitoring and Evaluation Report 2021-2022, scoring a perfect 36/36.

The federation’s efforts have also led to a growing number of participants in the National Novices competition, with over 700 boxers in 2022 and over 1000 in 2024.

This growth includes an increase in female participation, with more women taking up boxing and occupying leadership positions within the UBF.
Despite these achievements, 2024 has been challenging for Ugandan boxing, particularly regarding funding.

The federation faces issues such as the lack of quarterly government funding, absence of a national gym or training center, and insufficient support for local boxing initiatives.

Muhangi has consistently advocated for fair funding and the reintroduction of boxing in schools, a proposal met with mixed reactions from some sports sector leaders.

Boxing offers numerous benefits for children and teenagers, including goal-setting, respect for authority and peers, social development, discipline, problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for health and fitness.

Muhangi’s vision for boxing in Uganda aligns with these values, promoting the sport as a means of holistic development for young people.

In conclusion, under Moses Muhangi’s leadership, the Uganda Boxing Federation has made significant strides in improving the sport’s image, attracting corporate sponsorship, and increasing participation.

However, challenges remain, particularly in funding and infrastructure.

As the federation continues to advocate for equitable support, the future of Ugandan boxing looks promising, with a growing base of young, disciplined, and talented athletes ready to make their mark both nationally and internationally.