National Boxing Championships under threat as UBF is dragged to court

The Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation has been dragged to court by a faction headed by boxing legend Godfrey Nyakana.

Nyakana accuses Moses Muhangi’s federation of alienating some clubs ahead of the National Boxing Championship due January 19 to February 3, 2019 at the MTN Arena in Lugogo.

Nyakana has asked court to stop UBF from organising the annual Open and UBF has been summoned to appear before court on the matter. But UBF president Muhangi is confident they will get over this setback as they have in recent times.

“When I became president, I found the federation with a pile of court cases against it but we have managed to win nine out of the 11 so far and I have faith that we shall also get over this one as well,” Muhangi told Watchdog Uganda.

The Open will be used to sieve boxers for a slot on the national team. According to Muhangi, the top four boxers in every category will make the cut to the national team.

Over 350 fighters, both male and female from over 40 clubs across the country like Lusaka, UPDF, East Coast, COBAP, Police and KCCA were present for the mandatory weighing on Thursday.

However, clubs such as KBC who are believed to be part of the Nyakaana faction also sent in their fighters and were present for weighing in.

William Buyondo, the head of the UBF competitions committee said this year’s Open is going to be different from the previous ones since they have spiced up the tournament to suit both the fans as well as provide a good experience for the fighters.

“We do not want to focus on the court case as we are already underway with our preparations. Despite all that, boxing fans should be ready for end-to-end action as the boys seem ready for the event,” said Buyondo.

KCCA emerged overall winners of the last edition held in 2017.