Hon. Mawanda Pledges Full Support to UPBC and Friends of Boxing Initiative

Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Head of Mobilisation and Igara East Member of Parliament, Hon. Michael Mawanda Maranga, has pledged full support to the Uganda Professional Boxing Commission (UPBC) and Friends of Boxing (FOB) following the unveiling of the Friends of Boxing Championship Belt.

The event was held at the UMA Show Grounds in Lugogo on Friday, May 29, 2026, and attracted key stakeholders from Uganda’s boxing fraternity.

Representing the PLU National Chairman, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Hon. Mawanda delivered a message of support to the organisers and participants.

“I am here to represent PLU National Chairman General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who was invited by UPBC. He directed me to tell you to continue managing the sport of boxing professionally so that more Ugandans can secure jobs through the sport. He has pledged his full support to this cause, and I also take this opportunity to commit my support,” said Mawanda.

He emphasized the importance of boxing as a tool for youth empowerment and economic development.

“Boxing is one of the sports we must promote in this country because it creates employment opportunities for young people and contributes to the country’s economy. I am going back to report about the existing wrangles so that they can be resolved. Fortunately, the Minister of Sports is a senior member of PLU, and we shall work together on this matter,” he added.

Mawanda further revealed that General Muhoozi’s support for boxing goes beyond administration, noting that he has a personal interest in the sport.

“General Muhoozi does not only have an interest in promoting boxing, but he is also a participant in the sport. He has therefore pledged his full support,” he said.

The event comes at a time when professional boxing in Uganda remains engulfed in leadership disputes between the Uganda Professional Boxing Commission (UPBC) and the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF).

The disagreement centres on which body has the legal mandate to oversee professional boxing in Uganda.

While UPBC maintains that it remains the legitimate body responsible for professional boxing activities, UBF President Moses Muhangi insists that the Sports Act 2023 grants UBF authority over both amateur and professional boxing in the country.

The ongoing dispute has persisted for more than a year, with both parties pursuing legal avenues. The wrangles have placed the sport in a difficult position, particularly during the ongoing re-registration process with the National Council of Sports (NCS), where concerns remain over operational licensing.

Despite the uncertainty, UPBC officials insist they remain focused on their mandate and are not in conflict with other boxing bodies.

For a considerable period, UPBC operated largely behind the scenes. However, the commission recently announced a partnership with Friends of Boxing, an initiative aimed at revitalising professional boxing and improving the welfare of boxers.

As part of the partnership, UPBC and FOB officially unveiled the Friends of Boxing Championship Belt, which will be contested across various weight divisions and categories.

Friends of Boxing representative Frank Mulinda explained the objectives behind the initiative.

“Today, we have taken the responsibility to explain to the boxing fraternity our Memorandum of Understanding with our partners, UPBC,” Mulinda said.

“In addition, we have unveiled the Friends of Boxing Championship, which will be contested in different categories. Winners of each title bout will receive UGX 6 million, while runners-up will earn UGX 2.5 million. Our goal is to make professional boxing more rewarding for boxers financially.”

He added that the initiative is also intended to motivate amateur boxers to transition into the professional ranks.

“We want amateur boxers to see a clear pathway into professional boxing because it represents the business side of the sport and offers greater opportunities for growth,” he noted.

More than 100 boxers attended the unveiling ceremony alongside UPBC and FOB officials, promoters, legal representatives, former boxers, referees, and judges.

UPBC President Eddie Bazira welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards improving the livelihoods and careers of professional boxers.

Meanwhile, UPBC Vice President for Technical Affairs Abbey Mugayi clarified that the commission is not attempting to prevent boxers from participating in events organised by UBF.

“We are not stopping boxers from taking part in UBF events. Our objective is simply to conduct business with professional boxers, which is something any promoter is free to do with any boxer,” Mugayi explained.

The Friends of Boxing Championship is expected to begin later this year, with organisers hoping it will usher in a new era for professional boxing in Uganda.