Zebra Jnr living dream in Monthly Fight Nights

Seed blossoms

That conversation planted the seed for what has now blossomed into the Kampala Fight Nights - a monthly boxing showcase aimed at preserving his father’s legacy while promoting the sport.

Zebra Mando Snr was tragically shot dead by security operatives from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force near his home in Bwaise in 2020. The case remains unresolved.

In his memory, the family-run Zebra Boxing Club, led by Zebra Jnr and his mother Mercy Mukankusi, has organised annual memorial fight nights since 2023. The third edition is due this December.

But just six months after last year’s event, Zebra Jnr has already expanded the vision.

“After sharing the idea with close friends in December, I immediately started speaking to partners. That’s how I approached Nakivubo,” he explained. “It all made sense. The stadium had all the amenities for fight nights, including a standard ring. My good relationship with Hajj (Hamis Kiggundu) helped.”

The very first monthly Kampala Fight Night happened on June 1 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, coinciding with the facility’s reopening anniversary since its overhaul.

Action attraction

The debut featured 16 non-title bouts, including international fighters - one Algerian-born Swede and four from the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Zebra Jnr headlined the night, beating Congolese opponent Serge Djamba via unanimous decision.

That marked his first professional fight since June 1, 2024 - the official reopening of Nakivubo - when he defeated Abaasi Seguya to win the Uganda National Super Welterweight title.

“The Kampala Fight Nights will now happen every first Sunday of the month,” said Zebra Jnr. “We chose Sunday because the area is less congested. There’s less traffic, and not many events are happening.

Juggling responsibility

“We also intend to keep time - start around 5/6pm and finish by 10/11pm - because people have to work the next day.”

A Diploma holder in Sports Management from Kyambogo University, Zebra Jnr is determined to continue his father’s work by giving boxers a consistent platform.

“We want to have as many fighters as possible,” he added. “For our next event in July, we expect top boxers from Uganda and abroad.”

Tickets for the event range from Shs20,000 (general at the gate) to Shs0.5m–1m (tables). However, attendees using the Hamz Pay App receive a 50% discount, paying only Shs10,000.

Second Kampala Fight Nights

July 6, 2025 at Hamz Nakivubo Stadium

Zebra Jnr Fact File

Full Name: Isaac Zebra Ssenyange Jr

Age: 21

Nationality: Ugandan

Profession: Professional Boxer & Sports Manager

Boxing Background

• Raised at the gym run by his late father, immersed in boxing from childhood

• Began boxing informally at age 3–4

• Could box unaided by age 7

• Trained by mother Mercy Mukankusi and coach Solomon Bogere

• Turned professional in January 2021 after father’s death

Professional record

• 5-0, unbeaten as of this writing

• Current Uganda Super Welterweight Champion

• Trains locally and internationally under AAM Seddiqi Sports

Academic

Diploma in Sports Management – Kyambogo University (Second Class Upper, 2022)

Community & leadership

• Co-runs Zebra Boxing Club in Bwaise, training 300+ children

• Leads youth empowerment through sports, education, and vocational training

• Actively involved in crime prevention and community rehabilitation

• Facilitates scholarships and mentorship for young boxers

Personal ethos

• Driven by legacy, impact, and the desire to prove doubters wrong

• Balances athletic and administrative duties as boxer and sports manager