As the 2026 Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) elections draw closer, renewed focus has shifted to the eligibility requirements for candidates seeking to challenge incumbent president Moses Muhangi, particularly following recent amendments to the UBF Constitution.

One provision attracting growing debate within boxing circles is the minimum academic qualification required for election to the UBF executive. Under the amended constitution, candidates must now possess Advanced Level education or its equivalent, including qualification as a National Technical Officer (NTO)—a shift from the previous Ordinary Level requirement.

This change has placed the spotlight on the National Technical Officers certification, a program introduced under Muhangi’s leadership. In September 2021, Muhangi presided over the maiden NTO certification course, held from 23rd to 27th September at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo. The five-day course, certified by the world governing body AIBA, attracted 26 participants, including UBF officials, boxing coaches, journalists, and representatives from the Office of the President.

The course was designed to equip participants with in-depth technical knowledge of boxing, covering rules, regulations, officiating standards, and governance, as part of a broader effort to professionalize the sport nationwide.

As the presidential race begins to take shape, with Philip “Kamu Kamu” Komuhanda and ATM Promotionz CEO Michael Obin among those who have expressed interest in contesting against Muhangi, questions are now being raised over whether all aspiring candidates meet the revised academic or technical qualifications.

Some stakeholders argue that possession of an NTO certificate could prove decisive for aspirants who may not meet the formal academic threshold, effectively serving as an alternative pathway to eligibility. Others, however, caution that the certification should be applied consistently and transparently to avoid perceptions of advantage or exclusion.

Supporters of the incumbent contend that the NTO framework was established to raise standards across the sport and should be viewed as a professional benchmark rather than a political tool. Critics, meanwhile, question whether the timing and structure of the qualification requirements could pose a challenge for late-emerging aspirants unfamiliar with the technical certification process.

With nominations ongoing and the Electoral Committee expected to scrutinize candidates’ credentials closely, the role of the NTO certification is now shaping up as a potentially decisive factor in determining who ultimately qualifies to contest for the UBF presidency.

As the boxing fraternity awaits formal declarations and verification of credentials, the unfolding debate underscores the broader stakes of the 2026 elections—not only about leadership, but also about governance standards and the future direction of boxing administration in Uganda.