Bombers bag six WBC Africa medals, earn global qualification
“My target was to win gold but at the same time thank God for making it to the finals. This is a dream come true and I promise a lot is still coming,” Batte told Vision Sport.
Bombers team that won medals at the WBC Africa Amatuer championship in Lagos, from left is Shakur Mugambe, Isaac Zebra Ssenyange jr, Benon Balyegesa and Dennis Muleme posing with their medals. (Courtesy photos)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
Uganda’s national boxing team, the Bombers, delivered a commanding performance at the inaugural WBC Africa Amateur Championship, clinching six medals and securing a spot at the 2025 World Boxing Council (WBC) Global Championship.
The championship, held from February 6-8 at the Molade Okoya Indoor Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria, attracted top boxing nations, with African Boxing Union (ABU) president and WBC vice president Houcine Houichi among the distinguished attendees.
Against stiff competition, Uganda defied expectations, with six of its eight boxers stepping onto the podium. Debutants Nuhu ‘Muzaata’ Batte (welterweight), Shakur Mugambe (lightweight), and Brenda Muduwa (flyweight) each bagged silver medals.
They were joined by middleweight Isaac Zebra Ssenyange Jr, bantamweight Benon Balyegesa, and light welterweight Dennis Muleme, who secured bronze.
Uganda’s strong showing saw them finish third overall, behind Ghana in second and hosts Nigeria, who dominated the event with ten gold medals. Their impressive medal haul also guarantees them a spot at the prestigious WBC Global Championship set to take place in Mexico later this year.
Brenda Muduwa (left) behind her is Nuhu 'Muzaata' Batte (right), Benon Balyegesa (centre) and Dennis Muleme (left) posing with their medals.
For silver medalists Batte and Mugambe, who battled hard in the finals, the achievement was a significant milestone.
Mugambe’s loss to Nigeria’s Riliwan Salawu was even named the bout of the day.
“My target was to win gold but at the same time thank God for making it to the finals. This is a dream come true and I promise a lot is still coming,” Batte told Vision Sport.
Head coach Meddie Hassan Mulandi praised the team’s determination and expressed confidence in their chances on the global stage.
“I can’t ask more from the team because they did their best to achieve these six medals. I’m super proud of them and confident we are going to make it in Mexico,” Mulandi noted.
Uganda’s contingent was led by ABU general secretary and outgoing Uganda Professional Boxing Commission treasurer Moureen Mulangira, alongside Uganda Boxing Federation president Moses Muhangi.