Lukanga Boxing Club Celebrates Dominance in 2023 National Championships

Lukanga Boxing Club marked their triumphant year in 2023 in a celebratory event at La’ Chambers Bar & Restaurant. The evening brought together boxers, coaches, managers, and Lukanga’s proprietor, Sam Lukanga, to revel in their success. This jubilation followed a stellar performance where Lukanga secured eight titles at the 2023 National Novices and Intermediates Championships, culminating in their domination of the Uganda Boxing Champions League on Boxing Day.

Among the attendees were the founding members of Lukanga Boxing Club, including Dick Katende, who praised Jjajja Lukanga (as the club founder is affectionately called) for his unwavering dedication to boxing over the years.

Lukanga Boxing Club, established by the sports enthusiast Lukanga in 1992, celebrated its 30th anniversary on May 1, 2023. While the year 2023 marked an impressive achievement, it wasn’t the club’s most dominant period. Lukanga highlighted their unparalleled success in 1995 when they secured victories in National Novices, Juniors, Intermediates, and Open, a feat yet to be replicated by any other club.

However, the club’s dominance faced a hiatus from 2002 to 2004 due to disputes with the Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation. Lukanga resumed competition in 2004 and, despite occasional challenges from UPDF, Police, East Coast, and Kampala Boxing Club, has remained a formidable force to date.

Despite other clubs occasionally claiming victory in specific categories since 2018, Lukanga consistently clinches the overall trophy by fielding a well-balanced team across all divisions.

During the celebratory luncheon, Lukanga credited the club’s success to its dedicated coaching staff and emphasized the importance of teamwork. He issued a warning to rivals, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation, stating, “We are masters in this game.”

The club founder, nicknamed Don King, urged their boxers not to become complacent, emphasizing that there is still more to achieve as a club and as individuals. Lukanga’s competitive spirit is evident as they look ahead to the National Open, issuing a caution to rivals about the challenges that lie ahead.

Deputy Resident City Commissioner Anderson Burora, present at the event, advised boxers against indiscipline and encouraged them to utilize social media to expand their fan bases, potentially benefiting financially from their talents.

As a testament to Lukanga’s dominance in 2023, the following table showcases their outstanding performance in the National Novices and Intermediates Championships:

Select League Champions in different weight categories include Shalua Ndagire (bantamweight), Zahara Nandawula (lightweight), Owen Kibira (welterweight), and Solomon Geko (super heavyweight).