Five golds propel Uganda to second at Zone 3 Africa Boxing Championships

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Uganda’s national boxing team, the Bombers, defied all odds to finish second at the Zone 3 Africa Championship, bagging an impressive 15 medals, five of which were gold.

Only defending champions DR Congo outperformed Uganda, securing the overall title for the third consecutive time.

The championship, held between October 16 and 25, 2025, featured 143 boxers from across the region at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi.

Featherweight Fatuma Nabikolo (centre) smiling for her gold during a medal podium at the just concluded Zone 3 Africa Boxing Championship in Kenya. (Courtesy photo)

Controversially, it ended in disarray as hosts Kenya failed to present the overall trophy to champions DR Congo and the runners-up Uganda after missing out on the podium.

Heavyweight Aziz Ringo, grandson of former Ugandan president Idi Amin, led the Bombers’ charge by defeating Kenya’s Peter Abuti through a split decision in one of the most thrilling finals.

Ringo, who had earlier knocked out two of his previous opponents in the quarter-final and semi-final, dedicated his gold medal to his late grandfather Amin.

“What a feeling to mark my national team debut with a gold medal. Gracious is the almighty Allah. I dedicate this medal to my late grandpa because it is his boxing quotes that have motivated me from day one.”

“This is the beginning of my boxing career, and a lot awaits me. Congratulations to all my teammates, our coaches, my club Kololo and the federation.”

Uganda’s other gold medallists included light welterweight Farahat ‘The Nightmare’ Manirola, who defeated DRC’s Joe Njibu Njibu, while Bombers’ captain and featherweight boxer Kasim Murungi fought the bout of his life to defeat Kenya’s Phoba Kumbo Mwinyi with a 3-2 split decision.

They were joined by She Bombers’ (national women’s boxing team) captain, welterweight Emily Nakalema, who secured a unanimous points victory over Tanzania’s Salma Yahya, and featherweight Fatumah Nabikolo, who sealed an emphatic unanimous decision over DRC’s Phoba Kerene in the final.

Bombers skipper Murungi praised the team’s effort and resilience.

Featherweight Fatuma Nabikolo (centre) smiling for her gold during a medal podium at the just concluded Zone 3 Africa Boxing Championship in Kenya. (Courtesy photo)

“As captain, I couldn’t ask for more from my team. We competed against countries with far more experience and preparation. I hope we build on this spirit and confidence to win more medals in forthcoming tournaments.”

Middleweight Alfred ‘Gorilla’ Ojok, welterweight Edward ‘Pastor’ Mukwaya, bantamweight Samuel Ochen and flyweight Brenda Muduwa each settled for silver.

Flyweight Livingston Matovu, lightweight Jimmy Adiko, light middleweight Alex Kanabi, super heavyweight Emmanuel Tabule, flyweight Angel Katushabe and light welterweight Erina Namutebi all won bronze medals.

DR Congo topped with 23 medals (12 gold, 4 silver and 7 bronze), followed by Uganda with 15 (5 gold, 4 silver and 6 bronze). Kenya, which fielded two teams (A and B), came third with a combined five gold medals, while Cameroon managed two gold medals, and Ethiopia completed the top five with one gold and one silver.