In just two years, Sparks Boxing Academy has shaken up Uganda’s professional boxing industry, producing a wave of highly skilled, hardworking, and entertaining fighters who are making their mark both locally and internationally.

Founded with a vision of social transformation through boxing, Sparks Boxing Academy is led by Head Coach Herbert “Skilz” Kalungi, whose mission is not only to train champions but also to uplift youth—many from impoverished backgrounds—by giving them opportunities through sport. The academy is also known for organizing charity boxing events to raise school fees for its boxers, ensuring that education and sports go hand in hand.

Already, Sparks has produced some of Uganda’s most exciting prospects:

• Bob Turyatemba – Welterweight national champion, 12-0 (7 KOs), ranked #3/25 in Uganda and #158/2,625 worldwide.
• Henry Oteba – Lightweight contender, 9 fights, 8 wins (5 KOs), 1 loss, ranked #3/29 in Uganda and #428/2,625 worldwide.
• Aaron “Da Goat” Ouma – At just 16 years old, already 4 fights, 3 KOs, ranked #5/20 in Uganda at super featherweight.
• Douglas “The Hitman” Kalule – Power puncher with 6 fights (4 KOs), 1 loss, 1 draw, ranked #5/22 in Uganda and #716/2,733 worldwide.
• Isaac Kamoga – The academy’s captain, 7 fights, 6 wins (4 KOs), 1 loss, ranked #11/20 in Uganda and #1,019/1,996 worldwide.

Other names like Fahad Lwanga, Comein Ssembatya, and Nvule Umar are also rising through the ranks, proving that Sparks is not just an academy but a factory of champions.

The boxing fraternity has long wondered how such a young academy has managed to keep its fighters active, well-prepared, and well-supported—covering not only training, welfare, and accommodation but also education costs, with some boxers like Turyatemba pursuing university studies.

The mystery was finally unveiled this week when it was revealed on social media that behind the academy’s growth is Mr. Opio, the man behind Inspired Brands Company. His company spans multiple ventures, including Inspired Brands Promotion, Inspired Brands Boxing Management, Inspired Saloon, Inspired Hotel, and Inspired Foods.

Mr. Opio is described as a passionate supporter of young talent, and his sponsorship of Sparks Boxing Academy is now recognized as the driving force behind its meteoric rise.

With strong leadership from Coach Skillz Kalungi and the financial muscle of Inspired Brands, Sparks Boxing Academy has quickly established itself as one of Uganda’s most promising boxing institutions, setting the stage for future African and even world champions.