Uganda to miss Bingwa wa Mabingwa, Bombers left crestfallen
Miiro says he’s lost a chance to sharpen his skills. PHOTO | ISMAIL KEZAALA
The Uganda national boxing team the Bombers are in a sombre mood after learning that they will not defend their Bingwa wa Mabingwa Boxing Championship come December 5-10 due to financial issues.
Moses Muhangi, the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) president, yesterday confirmed that Uganda will not take part in the continental event since the team did not receive the required funding for preparation from the government even after prior requisition.
The continental championship where Uganda last participated in 2018 has acted as a tool for preparation and exposure for many Bombers, elements needed especially when the team is looking forward to Olympic qualifiers next year.
2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist flyweight Juma Miiro acknowledges the previous event for offering him standard preparation and says missing this year’s competition is a big blow to the boxers. “It has always been a test for boxers to know their stance however it’s so awful that this year we shall not participate hence zero chance for sparring because most of us are just training in endurance,” Miiro told Daily Monitor.
Likewise team captain welterweight Shadir Musa and counterpart David Ssemujju are bitter about missing the Bingwa wa Mabingwa championship.
“Uganda is bound to lose its boxing position in East Africa for failing to defend the trophy. The event has been a morale booster, a good build up, an eye opener and exposure for us boxers hence missing is a great loss,” Shadir said.
Ssemujju thinks the government should be in position to offer the required help to boxers if they are to emerge victorious in major competitions.
“It’s so absurd that we have missed a preparation event but I call upon the government to support us in our Olympics qualification as early as possible,” pleaded the middleweight boxer.
