The Ugandan boxing community is in mourning following the death of Alex Kanaabi, the reigning Uganda Boxing Champions League (UBCL) light middleweight champion and Africa Zone 3 bronze medallist, whose family has confirmed that he died after suffering the effects of poisoning.

Kanaabi, one of the country’s most promising boxers, rose to national prominence after winning bronze at the Africa Zone 3 Championships in October. He crowned his achievements on Boxing Day, when he defeated Depark Mawanda to claim the UBCL light middleweight title. That victory on 26 December would unknowingly become the final chapter of a career that had inspired many within and beyond the ring.

As the nation comes to terms with his passing, attention has shifted from the circumstances surrounding his death to the need for dignity, unity, and respect in handling his burial and legacy.

According to his family, Kanaabi fell gravely ill in the days leading to his death. He was rushed to several medical facilities in a desperate effort to save his life, but despite the efforts of doctors, he passed away in the early hours of Thursday. His family has since clarified that he died as a result of poisoning, dismissing earlier reports that suggested he had been attacked.

In this painful period, the family has appealed for calm, privacy, and respect as burial arrangements are made. They have also called on the public and media to avoid speculation, unverified claims, and the circulation of distressing content that may deepen the family’s grief.

Within the boxing fraternity, calls are growing for the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), the Uganda Boxing Champions League, and other stakeholders to take a leading role in honouring Kanaabi’s life and service to the sport. As a national champion and international medallist, many believe he deserves an official send-off befitting his contribution to Ugandan boxing.

Stakeholders have urged the federation to:

• Coordinate with the family in burial arrangements
• Provide logistical and financial support
• Organise a formal tribute or memorial service
• Ensure Kanaabi’s achievements are officially recognised and documented
• Offer counselling and welfare support to fellow boxers affected by the loss

Boxing officials have also been encouraged to use this moment to strengthen athlete welfare systems, including mental health support, medical insurance, and emergency response structures, to better protect fighters beyond the ring.

Kanaabi’s death has left a deep void in Ugandan boxing, not only because of his talent, but because of the hope he represented for young fighters rising through the local leagues. As preparations for his final journey begin, many believe the greatest tribute will be to lay him to rest with honour, stand with his family in unity, and ensure his legacy lives on through stronger support for athletes he leaves behind.

Uganda now mourns not just a champion, but a son of the sport whose life ended far too soon.