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The 21st edition of the Africa Boxing Championship, which began on July 25th and culminated on Saturday, August 5th at the Palais Polyvalent Indoor Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon, was a fruitful mission for Uganda’s boxing team, ‘The Bombers’. Amid strong competition, the Bombers emerged triumphant, bagging seven medals, and walking away with prize money totalling sh194m.

Out of 24 African nations that participated in this year’s Championship, Uganda held its own, finishing fifth. The winners’ podium was led by DR Congo, who grabbed a staggering 14 medals, followed by Morocco with 13, host country Cameroon with 11, and Mozambique securing the fourth position with 9 medals.

Uganda and Kenya ended up with an equal tally of seven medals each. However, Uganda gained the upper hand due to the sterling performance of two of its pugilists – lightweight Wasswa Ssali and light welterweight Erina Namutebi. This duo exhibited exceptional skill and determination, making it all the way to the finals and clinching silver medals. This gave Uganda an edge over Kenya’s national boxing team, whose journey was curtailed at the semi-finals.

In the final showdown, Ssali and Namutebi had their sights set on gold. However, they were bested by South Africa’s Sanele Sogwayi and Algeria’s Chahib Hichrak, respectively.

In addition to the silver medals, The Bombers also secured five bronze medals, courtesy of welterweight Ukasha Matovu, middleweight Ronald Okello, super heavyweight Solomon Geko, light flyweight Grance Nankinga, and welterweight Emily Nakalema.

The Bombers’ squad was comprised of 17 boxers, including six females. Their return of seven medals, despite stiff competition, is commendable. This performance has undoubtedly contributed to the legacy of Ugandan boxing, serving as a testament to the team’s unwavering tenacity, skill, and spirit. As The Bombers return home with their medals, they have certainly set a new bar for future championships.

Uganda’s medal winners

Wasswa Ssali (silver)

Erina Namutebi (silver)

Ukasha Matovu (bronze)

Emily Nakalema (bronze)

Ronald Okello (bronze)

Grace Nankinga (bronze)

Solomon Geko (bronze)