The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) Executive Committee elections for the 2026–2030 term are officially underway, but questions are already emerging over how competitive the race will be after only five candidates were cleared by the UBF Electoral Committee.

In a circular titled “Declaration of Candidates for UBF Executive Committee 2026–2030,” the Electoral Committee confirmed that just five individuals successfully met the nomination requirements and were duly nominated to contest various executive positions. The circular was signed by Paul Mukasa, Chairperson of the UBF Electoral Committee, and copied to the Minister of Education and Sports, the National Council of Sports (NCS), and the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC).

The nomination exercise was conducted in accordance with Article 13 of the UBF Constitution, Article 13 of the UBF Electoral Code, and the General Roadmap for the 2026 UBF Elections dated January 23, 2026. Nomination forms were issued between January 24 and February 6, 2026.

Following scrutiny of submitted documents and verification of compliance — including eligibility criteria and payment of prescribed nomination fees — the Electoral Committee cleared the following candidates:

• President: Mr. Moses Muhangi
• General Secretary: Mr. Simon Barigo
• Treasurer: Mr. Richard Muhumuza
• Representative of Women in Boxing: Mrs. Alex Rose Kabwama
• Representative of Former International Boxers: Mr. Samuel Kabugo

With each candidate cleared unopposed in their respective categories, the development has sparked debate within boxing circles about whether the upcoming elections, scheduled for February 28, 2026, are effectively a formality.

The Electoral Committee has authorized the nominated candidates to begin campaigns immediately, with the official campaign period running until February 27, 2026. All candidates have been instructed to strictly adhere to the UBF Electoral Guidelines during this period.

Addressing concerns about the narrow field, Mukasa explained that although several individuals expressed interest and picked nomination forms for various positions, many failed to satisfy the minimum requirements outlined in the electoral guidelines.

“Many interested people picked nomination forms for various positions, but after scrutiny, a number of them fell short of the requirements as clearly outlined in the electoral guidelines,” Mukasa said.

While the Electoral Committee maintains that the process was conducted transparently and in line with governing rules, the outcome has raised broader questions about accessibility, inclusivity, and competitiveness within UBF’s electoral framework.

As the campaign period unfolds, attention now shifts to whether the process will generate meaningful debate on the future direction of Ugandan boxing — or whether the absence of contestation has already sealed the outcome of the 2026 UBF Executive elections.