Jinja, Uganda – Salima Tibesigwa, the reigning African Female Boxing Champion, has received a fresh start in her education journey, thanks to support from former Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga. Tibesigwa, who dropped out of school before completing her primary level (P7) due to financial difficulties, is set to return to the classroom to fulfill her academic dreams.
At the peak of her boxing career, Tibesigwa has become a symbol of strength and determination, earning acclaim across the continent for her prowess in the ring. However, behind the medals and trophies lay an unfulfilled aspiration, the desire to complete her education. Financial hardships forced her to leave school before sitting for her final exams, putting her academic journey on hold.
Posting on her X Timeline, former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, who is also a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, expressed her admiration for Tibesigwa’s tenacity both in and outside the ring. Kadaga announced that she had taken it upon herself to help the boxing champion return to school, enabling her to pursue her education alongside her career in sports.
“Salima Tibesigwa makes a living from boxing and is the African Female Boxing Champion. She dropped out of school at P7 because she couldn’t afford fees for examinations,” Kadaga said. “I have fulfilled her desire to return to school, and I am committed to supporting her journey as she balances both boxing and education.”
Kadaga highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for young women like Tibesigwa, who, despite excelling in other areas, have faced challenges in accessing education. She emphasized that education is key to unlocking further opportunities, regardless of one’s success in other fields.
Tibesigwa’s journey is a testament to the importance of second chances and the need to invest in education for all, especially women in sports. As she continues to dominate the boxing scene in Africa, she is also preparing to take on new challenges in the classroom, with aspirations that go far beyond the boxing ring.
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