Uganda Boxing Federation’s response to IOC’s directive regarding affiliation

By Emmanuel Sekago

It is widely known that the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) has been affiliated with the International Boxing Association (IBA) since 1950. However, due to recent developments, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) directed National Olympic Committees (NOC) worldwide to ensure that national boxing federations, including the UBF, register with the newly recognized international boxing body. The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) communicated this directive to UBF, and according to a document seen by Wallnetnews, Ref: UBF 01/UOC/2024 dated October 16, 2024, UBF has not yet made a decision regarding affiliation.

The UBF Executive Committee has indicated that it cannot unilaterally decide to affiliate with the new international body. Such a decision requires consultation with UBF delegates, which entails convening a general assembly of stakeholders. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, UBF has not been able to hold these consultations since the financial year began. As a result, UBF has yet to receive any funding for this purpose, and the deadline set by the IOC for confirmation of international affiliation is today, October 18, 2024.

In a letter addressed to the UOC, UBF stated the following: “Reference is made to your letter Ref: UOC01/UBF/2024 dated 7th October 2024, in which you informed us of the developments and guidance received from the IOC regarding the ongoing conflict between IBA and IOC. You requested us to confirm the international affiliation status of the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) by the 18th of October 2024.

The Uganda Boxing Federation has enjoyed a good working relationship with the Uganda Olympic Committee since you took charge, and it is in our interest to maintain this for the benefit of both organizations and Uganda as a whole.

We held a UBF Executive meeting on October 15, 2024, and wish to draw your attention to the following; UBF has been affiliated with IBA since 1950, and the relationship remains intact. It is surprising that the UOC is asking for confirmation of our affiliation status given that IOC and IBA have parted ways. Our affiliation with IBA is not dependent on IOC’s relationship with IBA, and IOC’s suspension of IBA does not result in the automatic loss of UBF’s affiliation with IBA.

The UOC Constitution is clear on how members attain or lose membership. Nowhere does it state that when the governing body of a sport is suspended, the local federation loses UOC membership. Furthermore, boxing remains an Olympic sport.

As of now, IBA is suspended, but there is no other IOC-recognized international boxing body. If UBF were to denounce IBA, there would be no clear alternative for us to affiliate with. Would you prefer that we remain without any international federation affiliation?

The National Sports Act 2023 requires that national federations be affiliated with an international federation. IBA, with 198 member countries, remains the best alternative until a more suitable governing body emerges.

The National Sports Act also calls for the cancellation of a federation’s registration if it loses recognition by its international governing body, A decision on international affiliation requires broad consultation with UBF stakeholders, including boxers, coaches, and club representatives. This requires funding, which we currently do not have. We kindly request financial support from the UOC to facilitate these consultations.

Many sports, such as netball and motorsport, are not Olympic sports but remain affiliated with international federations. Boxing can continue to thrive outside the Olympics, and UBF has gained more from its affiliation with IBA than from Olympic participation.

Finally, UBF remains affiliated with IBA. However, if Uganda decides to affiliate with another body following stakeholder consultations, we will comply. We request funds to engage in consultations and suggest external meetings with the National Council of Sports, the Ministry of Sports, and UOC to take a collective decision.

Please note that UBF remains in good standing as a member of the UOC, as per the UOC Constitution, unless amended otherwise.”

The UBF’s position underscores the need for a collective decision based on stakeholder consultations and financial support to ensure that the federation’s future affiliation aligns with both national and international directives.