Despite government’s continued suspension of boxing in schools, many young boxers have endeavored to juggle between academics and the sport. Kemis Ibrahim is one of the increasing number of boxers that are also pursuing academic excellence. He is a senior five student at Kakungulu memorial school.
Before fight last Saturday, Kemis was siting for his midterm exams. And despite maximum concentration on academics, Kemis also has boxing in sight.
“I was advised to get back to school which I welcomed with open hands. I juggle between school and training with each task accorded own time,” he noted.
He has big academic dreams – a reason that has kept him going.
“I want to change my life and my people. I know boxing can do that for me but it is career you can only pursue for some time,” added Kemis.
Most boxers in Uganda germinate from the ghetto, and Kemis is a born of Kibuli ghettos. However, boxing has made him a star both at school and in his locality.
“I am a star in the sport but I am down to earth at school. Most people did not even know that I was a boxer not until they watched me fighting live on NBS Sport TV,”
As a multi-talented star, Kemis is also into leadership. Recently, he was recently voted the youth chairperson at the village level. He wants to create scholarship opportunities for his peers, eradicate drug abuse and create avenues to change ghetto lives.
Hajji Buwembo Jamir, the Kakungulu memorial school head teacher calls for maximum support of sports persons, especially boxers, boxers who strive for academic excellence. He says that his school not only offers scholarships to the vulnerable sports talented youths, but also extends counselling to them to live a better life in and outside school.
Uganda boxing federation president Moses Muhangi has called upon government to allow boxing back to schools since schools are the breeding grounds of sports.
“They suspended boxing in schools but we have students boxing in the champions league. They are safe and the best mannered at school. Continued suspension of boxing in schools denies many talents from vulnerable families to access academic scholarships,” noted Muhangi.
“It is even a standard now in Olympics that a boxer must be able literate while it is also prudent for boxers to go to school in order not to be cheated when it comes to the business side of the sport,” he added.
Kemis beat Derrick Lubega in his last Saturday’s main fight at the Lugogo arena to secure his second win of the 2025 season.
