After a brief delay following the death of Kenyan opposition leader Hon. Raila Odinga, the Africa Zone 3 Elite Boxing Championship is finally set to punch off on Monday, October 20, in Nairobi.
Uganda’s top fighters are geared up for action as ten boxers take to the ring in the knockout stage, eyeing spots in the medal rounds.
The week-long championship has drawn competitors from 12 nations across East and Central Africa, promising fierce regional duels and thrilling contests.
Team captain Khasim Mulungi leads Uganda’s charge in a tough 57kg quarterfinal bout against Badibanga Badiyanyama of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Other key clashes feature Alex Kanabi against Ethiopia’s Ermivas Mesfin (67kg) and Alfred Ojektaking on Rwanda’s Patrick Ndagishimye (71kg).
In the 60kg category, Edward Mukwaya and Jimmy Adriko face Kenyan opponents Joseph Shigaliand Ethan Maina, hoping to silence the home crowd.
Farahat Maninora (63.5kg) meets Vicent Aliuce of Kenya, while Livingstone Matovu faces Kevin Maina in the 51kg class.
Uganda’s women will also be in the spotlight, led by Brenda Muduwa, who faces Carine Nkelani Bawala (DRC) in the 50kg division.
Kazibwe Kato (48kg) and Ringo Aziz (92kg) round out Uganda’s lineup, facing Tsimba Nkelani (DRC) and Emmanuel Agustino (Tanzania) respectively.
Buoyed by strong performances in the Uganda Boxing Champions League, the team enters Nairobi with confidence and ambition.
Monday’s results will be crucial in defining Uganda’s medal hopes as the tournament moves toward the semifinals later this week.
