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Despite Wasswa Ssali and Erina Namutebi's incredible silver medal achievements, the team is grappling with financial constraints that threaten their run-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics qualifiers.
The echoes of victory are still fresh in the air, but for Uganda's celebrated boxing team, the Bombers, it's not a time for relaxation.
Fresh off their outstanding performance at the Africa Boxing Championship (AFBC) in Yaounde, Cameroon, where they brought home an impressive seven medals, the Bombers now face new hurdles.
Despite Wasswa Ssali and Erina Namutebi's incredible silver medal achievements, the team is grappling with financial constraints that threaten their run-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics qualifiers.
The qualifiers, scheduled for September 9-15, 2023, in Dakar, Senegal, offer a total of 18 slots for Africa. Men can compete for seven of these across weight divisions, while women have 11 slots up for grabs.
Yet, as the clock ticks, the looming question is: Are the Bombers poised for this next challenge?
The answer, unfortunately, is riddled with concerns. The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), the Bombers' governing body, is grappling with severe budget constraints, impacting the team's preparations.
The recent reclassification of UBF, alongside the Netball Federation, from tier one to tier two resulted in budget cuts — a drop from three billion shillings to a mere UGX 300 million in a year.
This financial crunch is evident in the federation's struggle to even muster funds for a two-week training camp.
UBF President, Moses Muhangi, in a conversation with Pulse Sports, encapsulated the gravity of the situation, stating, “The concern for us now is how do we get these boys ready for the Olympics qualifiers a month from now.”
“The ideal situation would be for us to keep the team in camp, with the coaches working hard to be ready to travel to Senegal and attempt to qualify again.”
“But our funding was cut this year, and it will be hard for the federation to even organize a two weeks training camp for the boxers because we simply cannot afford it.”
It's a heartbreaking irony. The Bombers, who recently showcased their mettle in Cameroon, bringing immense joy to the country, are hamstrung by the lack of resources.
Muhangi couldn't help but express his frustration, saying, “For me, who knows the potential these lads have, it saddens me, because we are not giving them a good chance to show the world how great they are as boxers, and that hurts.”
Recalling the run-up to the African championships, UBF faced a similarly bleak financial situation, with funds held up by the National Council of Sports.
If not for a few weeks' delay in the event, the Bombers might have missed the tournament altogether.
Yet, they adapted, with UBF proactively naming the squad early, ensuring that selected boxers stayed active in their gyms until they convened for a training camp in Buloba.
In preparation for the Olympics qualifiers, UBF is currently leveraging its Boxing Champions League. From week eight – that will be happening this Saturday – onward, boxers have the opportunity to knock out rivals, vying for an automatic ticket to Dakar, Senegal.
It remains to be seen how the Bombers navigate these challenges. Their recent victories have demonstrated their resilience and prowess in the ring.
The hope is that the same resilience sees them through these trials, allowing them to shine on the global stage once more.
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