For years, Uganda has been home to a growing stable of promising professional boxers whose talent and potential have shone not only on the local scene but also on international platforms. Yet, over the past year, the momentum of many of these fighters has slowed down, raising concerns within the boxing fraternity and among fans.

From once-rising stars with flawless records to champions who have suffered career-halting inactivity, the slowdown reflects deeper systemic challenges beyond the ring.

The Politics of Governance

At the heart of the crisis is the long-standing leadership dispute between the Uganda Professional Boxing Commission (UPBC) and the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF). The implementation of the new National Sports Act, which mandates that federations oversee both amateur and professional boxing, has created confusion, as roles and authority remain contested.

This power struggle has left many boxers in limbo. With unclear regulation, sanctioning of professional fights has been inconsistent, and some fighters now openly declare they will not return to the ring until the governance issues are resolved. Others have taken sides, appearing on social media in political debates that only deepen divisions and delay opportunities.

Financial Strain and Lack of Sponsorship

Beyond politics, the lack of financial muscle continues to cripple fighters. Professional boxing is resource-intensive — training camps, nutrition, medicals, and travel require heavy investment. Many young Ugandan pros are self-funded or dependent on inconsistent local promoters who themselves struggle to attract sponsors.

Without solid financial backing, boxers cannot sustain active careers. Some fighters with big potential are forced to take long breaks, waiting for a sponsor or promoter to step in, while others pick up side hustles outside boxing to survive.

Weak Management and Promotional Gaps

Good management is the backbone of any boxer’s success, but many Ugandan fighters remain poorly managed. Unlike in countries with established promotional houses, Uganda’s scene is fragmented. Most managers lack international connections, knowledge of global matchmaking, or the capacity to lobby for ranked fights abroad.

This gap means even boxers with strong records are left without direction, wasting prime years of their careers.

Inexperience in Officiating Pro Fights

Another concern raised within the industry is the capacity of UBF officials to sanction and manage professional matches. Critics argue that the federation, whose roots are largely amateur, lacks the technical know-how to handle professional fights. Without experienced officials and structured commissions, the credibility of Ugandan pro boxing faces a dent.

The Boxers Caught in the Middle

The effects are evident in the careers of several highly rated fighters:

• Isaac Ssebuufu (Super Lightweight) – Once Uganda’s number one in his weight and highly ranked worldwide, he now risks being marked inactive within weeks, having last fought on September 28, 2024. His flawless record (9-0, 7 KOs) is under threat of stagnation.
• Junju Power (Super Lightweight) – With 11 fights (9-2, 7 KOs), Junju’s last bout was a knockout loss to Uzbekistan’s Shohjahon Ergashev in February 2025. Despite his earlier big win over “Spyder” Joshua, he has yet to bounce back, leaving fans puzzled.
• Isaac Masembe (Featherweight) – An unbeaten fighter (7-0) ranked 2nd in Uganda and 112th worldwide, he last fought in January 2025. His inactivity shocks many, given his talent and marketability.
• John Katongole (Bantamweight) – Out of the ring since October 2024, where he suffered a KO loss to Gael Assumani in Goma. He has yet to rebuild his reputation.
• Ronald Miiro (Super Middleweight) – Once feared for his power, Miiro has been inactive since August 2024, following a TKO victory over Kitaka Ibrahim.
• Kenneth “Da Mexco” Lukyamuzi (Super Middleweight) – Known for his power and experience, his last fight was in August 2024, a unanimous decision win against Philly Musene. He too is idle.
• Catherine Nanziri (Super Bantamweight) – A former Olympian and ABU champion, Nanziri’s inactivity shocked many. After over a year off, she returned in July and August 2025 with two wins, but the gap already damaged her momentum.

Other Underlying Factors

• Limited Local Shows – Uganda hosts relatively few professional events, leaving fighters dependent on opportunities abroad. With travel costs high, many miss out.
• Mismatch of Ambitions vs. Reality – Some fighters aim for global bouts quickly but lack preparation. When opportunities arise, they are unready, and once beaten, their confidence and market value plummet.
• Mental and Emotional Toll – Constant uncertainty, politics, and financial struggles weigh heavily on fighters. Some lose motivation, while others withdraw from the sport altogether.

The Way Forward

Uganda’s boxing industry stands at a crossroads. Unless governance disputes are resolved, and unless stronger financial and promotional structures are built, the country risks losing a generation of talented fighters.

The stories of Ssebuufu, Junju Power, Masembe, and others are not just individual setbacks — they are symptoms of a broken system. For a nation rich in boxing history, the need for unity, professionalism, and investment has never been more urgent.