The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) continues to make significant strides in advancing the sport, with its president, Counsel Moses Muhangi, leading the charge. His latest venture takes him to Cuba, a nation renowned for its boxing pedigree, as UBF forges a strategic partnership through the Cuban Embassy. The primary objective of Muhangi’s visit is to engage with the Cuban Boxing Federation, exploring avenues to enhance Ugandan boxing and benchmark Cuba’s acclaimed open boxing system.
This initiative forms part of a broader UBF strategy to elevate the sport in Uganda by fostering international collaborations. Muhangi’s relentless pursuit of development previously saw him in Moscow, where he worked towards integrating open boxing with professional boxing. The trip yielded promising outcomes, setting the foundation for a structured merger between the two formats. In line with this agenda, UBF has appointed Moreen Mulangira as the Head of the Licensing Commission, a pivotal role in streamlining professional boxing under the federation’s umbrella.
Beyond his commitments to boxing, Muhangi has now set his sights on the political arena, announcing his intention to contest for the Kampala Central Member of Parliament seat in the 2026 general elections. His primary objective? To amplify boxing’s representation at the legislative level and advocate for increased government investment in the sport.
Muhangi argues that a parliamentarian with deep roots in boxing could effectively lobby fellow legislators to prioritize funding and infrastructural development for the sport. He draws inspiration from the football fraternity, citing the transformation that occurred when FUFA’s leadership gained political influence. The direct involvement of football executives in parliament led to substantial funding increases, stadium refurbishments, and enhanced welfare for players—an outcome he envisions replicating in boxing.
While his political ambitions gain momentum, Muhangi maintains that he will run as an independent candidate. He distances himself from party affiliations despite his past involvement with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and his earlier collaboration with Bobi Wine during the latter’s presidential campaigns. His approach, he asserts, is to serve as a unifying figure capable of bridging political divides for the betterment of both boxing and Kampala’s socio-economic landscape.
As Muhangi champions the dual cause of boxing and politics, his unwavering commitment to the sport’s evolution remains evident. With Cuba now in the equation, Ugandan boxing stands at the threshold of transformation, poised for international excellence and domestic revitalization.
