Uganda’s prize fighter Bogere compares schools boxing then and now

US-based boxer: Shariff Bogere

What you need to know:

  • But the organisation and the turn-up are better: “I see the students are excited, they dance and sing for their fighters which I think it’s fun for them. I mean, it’s a better environment compared to ours back then.”

KAMPALA. The match between Kololo High’s Ali Tumukunde and Bweyogerere High’s Ramathan Ssewanyana on Day Two, could so far be the most outstanding bout of the National Schools Boxing Championship at MTN Arena-Lugogo.

Both students exhibited basic boxing skills: movement, jabs, hooks and crosses, without brawling or handling.
They matched each other toe-to-toe. The fans coupled their excitement with some lively noise. And paying attention from the ringside was, among others, Sharif ‘The Lion’ Bogere.

“Of all the bouts I have seen so far, that one was outstanding,” Bogere later told Daily Monitor. “Both showed boxing skills and I commended them afterwards.”
Tumukunde deservedly won by split decision.

“I first told the loser that ‘you did well, your opponent was just slightly better; if you work on stamina you are a future champion’. Then I told the winner that ‘you were smart. Keep that style up.” Bogere commended coaches, especially Kololo’s Sam Kabugo for shaping Tumukunde’s talent.

He, however, challenged the other coaches to emphasize the basics.
“The level of competition here is still low compared to that of our times…most students are just fighting...coaches have to push them to improve, master the basics.”

But the organisation and the turn-up are better: “I see the students are excited, they dance and sing for their fighters which I think it’s fun for them. I mean, it’s a better environment compared to ours back then.”
Bogere begun boxing at 11 years when he was at Nabagereka Primary School.
He continued at Kitebi Primary School before joining Kololo High, when he made the national team in Senior One.

“The turn-up is also good. We only used to have students supporting students but now you see other people supporting, which is also a big improvement.”