NRM Eastern region chairman Cpt Mike Mukula has assured the boxing fraternity of government financil support.
The former minister was the guest of honor during the climax of the 2019 national junior boxing championship on Sunday at MTN Arena, Lugogo.
“I have been a sportsman since childhood and I also grew up from the ghetto. I have served as a patron of many sports associations and I am the current FMU patron. I want to assure you, I will be the bridge to the authority in government so that we can get at least five boxing rings, well equipped national gym and at least 10000 mouth guards. I will schedule a meeting with the president for the boxing federation top executive so that the Head of state can understand what really boxing needs,” noted Mukula, who also bought mouth guards, head gears and gloves worth over Shs5m.
The national junior championship was the third Uganda boxing federation event this year after the National Open and schools championship in February and March respectively.
It was the first time Uganda organised an exclusive junior championship after the new AIBA regulations and Lukanga boxing club became the first Boys champions after collecting 38 points, 3 above Sparks in second while Sparks came third with 22 points.
In Girls, A&B boxing club were the winners with 25 points, 8 above first runners Kololo High whilst Katwe coming third with 13 points.
According to Moses Muhangi, the Uganda boxing federation president, the national team (Bombers) would have begun training preparing for Olympic qualifiers by now, but the federation is limited with financial resources.
“It is an open secret that boxing has brought more medals than any other sport from international engagements and government should come in. Most of these boxers who bring medals we celebrate come from the ghetto (slums) and need help. If we can engage these youths from the ghetto with familiar sports like boxing, then these rampant riots will be limited especially in town,” noted Muhangi.
“We shall continue to engage strategic partners and government to increase the sport’s funding. I thank our partners; UNAIDs, Street finance, Gong records, TopBoy promotions and NCS,” he added.
In individual awards, Evelyn Karungi was the best female boxer (U15) while Shafik Lusonjo was the male best. Sharon Nabukenya was the Girls best boxer (U16) whilst Shafik Sentamu taking the Boys honors.
Best male boxer overall was Emma Nyanzi while Best R/J was Moses Mugagga. Isaac Zebra Sseyange was the best coach after leading his side to the crown. Lukanga are also the reigning National Open champions.
