The Uganda National Boxing Team, commonly known as the Bombers, is returning empty-handed from the ongoing World Paris Olympic Games qualifiers held in Busto Arsizio, Italy. Despite their efforts, all four boxers representing the country have been eliminated, with team captain Joshua Tukamuhebwa being the last to exit the competition.
This marks the second unsuccessful attempt by the Bombers to secure slots for the 2024 Paris Summer Games. Their first endeavor during the continental qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal, last year also ended in disappointment, where all six boxers were eliminated.
Moses Muhangi, the Uganda Boxing Federation President, expressed disappointment, stating, “Our last boxer in the Olympic qualifiers is out. No boxer has qualified for the Olympics in Italy. We have one more and last chance to qualify a boxer into the Olympics with the 3rd and last Olympic qualifier in May 2024 in Thailand.”
The series of disappointments began when Shafick Mawanda lost by a walkover due to his failure to reach the playing venue on time. Yusuf Nkobeza then lost to Romania’s Andrei Aradoaie 5-0, leaving the burden on Captain Tukamuhebwa and female boxer Emily Nakalema, who have also been eliminated.
Before his elimination, Tukamuhebwa had shown promise by winning his first two bouts but eventually lost to Jordan’s Alkasbeh Obada. Emily Nakalema, who had earlier received a bye, lost to Cape Verde’s Ivanusa Moreira 5-0 in the Women’s 66 kg category.
Expressing frustration, Muhangi added, “I hope this time around our bosses at National Council of Sports and Uganda Olympic Committee will listen to us as a Federation and support us fully as required with no interference.”
The ongoing competition was Uganda’s second-to-last opportunity to secure qualification slots for the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Their last chance will be in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 23 to June 3.
Despite being one of the final chances, the team, coached by Twaibu Mayanja and assisted by Joseph Buule, faced numerous setbacks, including lack of preparations and visa delays, which ultimately affected their performance and organization during the qualifiers.
