Lukanga Boxing Club defends national title in dominant display

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Lukanga Boxing Club successfully defended their title at the National Open Boxing Championship, which concluded on Sunday at the Lugogo Indoor Arena after a week of intense competition.

The club triumphed in all categories, including juniors, youths, and elite divisions, amassing a total of 132 points to retain the championship.

In addition to the victory, Lukanga produced the most valuable boxer (MVP) of the tournament, Ronald Nsamba. Nsamba put on an impressive display in the final, defeating Harold Mukuye of UPDF in the middleweight category.

“I’m happy we won. We fulfilled the instructions from our patron, Samuel Lukanga. We had excellent preparation, and the club is composed of the best male and female boxers. Our mission is always to dominate boxing,” said Nsamba, the middleweight champion.

Harold Mukuye of UPDF (left) exchanges with Ronald Nsamba on Mar. 9, in the final of the national boxing open at Lugogo. Nsamba won on points. (Credit: Silvano Kibuuka)

Lukanga Boxing Club had 11 women and 16 men competing in the finals across different weight categories in the juniors, youths, and elite divisions.



Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) president, Moses Muhangi, commended the high level of competition exhibited by the boxers, highlighting the abundant talent within Uganda.

“Before we changed the status, boxers would feel comfortable after reaching the finals in the National Open, but now they qualify for the Boxing Champions League,” Muhangi noted.

The two finalists in each weight category now qualify for the Boxing Champions League, set to begin soon.

Muhangi emphasised that Uganda now has a large pool of talented boxers, and with adequate funding, the Bombers team could compete in any international tournament.

The tournament attracted 500 participants, including 72 women, a testament to the wealth of talent available for development, should resources allow.

Boxers hailed from 52 clubs, with participants travelling from as far as Arua, Mbale, Bunyoro, and Gulu.

In addition to the trophies and medals, Lukanga Boxing Club was also awarded a Bajaj motorcycle.