Fresh from one of their most dominant performances in the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championship Finals, Uganda’s national boxing team — popularly known as The Bombers — is now squarely in the global spotlight. With 16 medals in total (five gold, four silver, and six bronze), Uganda has made a loud statement that it is ready to challenge the world’s best when the IBA Men’s Elite World Championships hit Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from December 2 to 13, 2025.

The event, part of the IBA’s “Festival of Boxing,” promises to be the richest and most prestigious boxing showpiece in amateur history, boasting a record-breaking $8.32 million prize pool. Each gold medalist will take home $300,000, while silver and bronze medalists will earn $150,000 and $75,000 respectively — with 50% of the prize money going to the boxer, and the rest shared between coaches and national federations.

Uganda’s Golden Contenders

Uganda’s Zone 3 gold medalists — Nabikolo Fatima, Nakalema Emily, Kasimu Murungi, Aziz Rigo, and Manirola Farhat — have proven they can dominate at continental level. With their sharp ring IQ, fearless energy, and disciplined execution, they are now being tipped as potential medal threats in Dubai.

“These are not just fighters — they’re future world contenders,” a source close to the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) noted. “Their Zone 3 performance showed that Uganda can stand tall on any global stage.”

Strength in Depth

Beyond the gold medalists, silver winners Brenda Muduuwa, Ojok Alfred, Mukwaya Edward, and Oceng Samuel, along with bronze medalists Erina Namutebi, Matovu Livingstone, Kanaabi Alex, Tabule Emmanuel, Katushabe Angel, and Adriko Jimmy, make up a powerful bench of talent. Each has the experience and hunger to compete against the world’s elite.

Even Kato Kazibwe, who missed out on a medal, impressed many with his grit and potential. His determination embodies the spirit of Uganda’s boxing resurgence — young, hungry, and unafraid.

IBA’s Global Stage

According to IBA President Umar Kremlev, the Dubai World Championships are not only about prize money but also about recognition and equality in the sport.

“This World Championships is not just about records and prize money – it is about giving every boxer, every coach and every National Federation the respect and reward they deserve,” said Kremlev.

The event will also feature the IBA Congress, IBA Pro Bouts, and the Global Boxing Forum, transforming Dubai into the world’s boxing capital for two weeks.

The Big Question

With such an outstanding Zone 3 campaign, boxing enthusiasts in Uganda are now asking the big question:
 Should this exact team — the cream of the 2025 Zone 3 champions — be the one to represent Uganda in Dubai?

Given their current form, teamwork, and continental dominance, many believe that Uganda’s Zone 3 Bombers have earned their ticket to the world stage. Their participation could mark the next great chapter in Uganda’s boxing story — from regional triumph to global glory.

As the IBA Men’s Elite World Championships draw nearer, one thing is clear: if Uganda’s Zone 3 squad stays united and well-prepared, Dubai might just witness another historic explosion from the Bombers.