As Uganda gears up for the Zone 3 Africa Boxing Championship in Nairobi, questions are emerging within the country’s boxing community: why isn’t Herbert “Skills” Kalungi, senior coach of Sparks Boxing Academy, part of the national team’s technical bench?

Kalungi has earned a reputation as one of Uganda’s most innovative and modern boxing trainers. Known for his dynamic padwork, advanced ring IQ strategies, and ability to blend professional and amateur techniques, “Coach Skills” has redefined what it means to develop complete boxers in Uganda.

Under his leadership, Sparks Boxing Academy has become a fertile ground for champions, producing some of Uganda’s top professional and amateur talent:

• Bob Turyatemba – Undefeated welterweight national champion (13-0, 7 KOs), ranked #3 in Uganda and #134 globally.
• Henry Oteba – Lightweight contender (8-1, 5 KOs), ranked #3 in Uganda and #428 worldwide.
• Aaron “Da Goat” Ouma – Just 16 years old, ranked #4 nationally at super featherweight.
• Douglas “The Hitman” Kalule – Power puncher ranked #5 in Uganda, with 4 KOs in 6 wins.
• Isaac Kamoga – Sparks’ team captain, ranked #9 nationally, celebrated for his consistency and leadership.

Other rising stars like Fahad Lwanga, Comein Ssembatya, and Nvule Umar also benefit from Kalungi’s system, which emphasizes discipline, technical skill, and mental preparedness.

Kalungi’s strongest case for national recognition, however, came earlier this year when Mwenda, one of his boxers, represented Uganda at a continental tournament featuring fighters from over 20 countries. Guided by Kalungi from the corner, Mwenda delivered back-to-back second-round TKOs against South Africa’s Vumazonke Indiphile and Libya’s Mohammed Kesher, before dominating Guinea’s Mamadou Diallo in the final. The referee stopped the contest, awarding Mwenda the gold medal and a standing ovation from the crowd.

The performance showcased Kalungi’s tactical acumen and ability to develop elite-level fighters, prompting many in Uganda’s boxing circles to question why he has not been called to the Bombers’ coaching team.

“Coach Skills represents the future of Ugandan boxing,” a source familiar with the national team commented. “He’s producing disciplined, explosive, and technically gifted fighters. That expertise is exactly what the Bombers need.”

As Uganda prepares to compete against regional powerhouses such as Kenya, DR Congo, and Tanzania, the debate over Kalungi’s inclusion continues. Many argue that his modern coaching methods and proven results could be the key to elevating the national team’s performance on the continental stage.

For now, Kalungi remains dedicated to nurturing talent at Sparks Boxing Academy, but observers believe it is only a matter of time before he earns his rightful place among Uganda’s elite national coaches.

In a sport where results speak louder than words, Uganda’s boxing federation may soon have to take notice.