By Allen Nantayi
The Uganda boxing team, the Bombers, returns to the country this Saturday triumphant after finishing third overall at the inaugural World Boxing African Elite Championships held at Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya on 19-23 October, 2026.
In the historic performance, Uganda under coach Lawrence Kalyango, won 13 medals, including 4 Gold, 1 Silver, and 8 Bronze. Uganda boxing federation sent 17 boxers to represent the country, competing against 21 African nations.
This is Uganda’s best performance since 2017 in Congo Brzaville, and it ends an eight-year wait for continental gold. Uganda (13 medals) finished third overall behind hosts Kenya (14 medals) and Algeria (14 medals) on tie-breaker.
Uganda boxing federation extends gratitude to the government of Uganda through the National Council of Sports (NCS) that financed the team to the competition.
In a press statement released by the federation, Uganda boxing federation (UBF) President Moses Muhangi attributed the performance to the government support and the Champions league competition that keeps the boxers active throughout the year. the “This is a result of four years of investment in the Champions League and grassroots boxing.
Winning 4 gold medals and 13 in total shows Uganda is back among Africa’s boxing powers. We thank government of Uganda and the World Boxing for support.” Debutants Samuel Nsubuga and Vanesa Kalungi won gold, with Vanesa becoming the first Ugandan woman to win African boxing gold.
The other gold medalists are Alfred Ojok and Kassim Murungi. Six out of seven female boxers won medals (86% success rate), proving that UBF Women’s Boxing Program is working.
THE NUMBERS:
Gold Medalists: 1. Samuel Nsubuga (55kg) 2. Kassim Murungi (60kg) 3. Alfred Ojok (71kg) 4. Vanessa Nagawa (57kg Women)
Silver Medalist 1. Aziz Ringo (90 Kg)
Bronze 1. Kasujja Richard (80kg) 2. KIbirige Arafat (85kg) 3. Tabula Emmanuel (90+ kg) 4. Nakawooza Rashida (48kg) 5. Muduewa Brenda (51kg Women) 6. Amoding Peninah (54kg Women) 7. Namutebi Erina (65kg Women) 8. Atwine Diana (81kg Women)
Medal Table Top 3:
1. Kenya – 14 Medals (4G, 6S, 4B)
2. Algeria – 14 Medals (4G, 3S, 7B)
3. Uganda – 13 Medals (4G, 1S, 8B)
