UBF to honour 'Grandfather of Boxing' Lukanga for 30 years of service

Samuel Lukanga (sitted, blue) with some of the boxers under his Lukanga Boxing Club | Photo Credit: New Vision

BOXING UBF to honour 'Grandfather of Boxing' Lukanga for 30 years of service

Shafic Kiyaga • 17:26 - 14.04.2023

The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) has launched a campaign to honour Samuel Lukanga for his 30 years of service to the sport and its promotion of grassroots boxing.

Boxing has always been a popular sport in Uganda, and the country has produced some of the best boxers in Africa.

However, behind every successful boxer, there is a coach who helped shape their career. One such coach is Samuel Lukanga, fondly known as the ‘Grandfather of Boxing.’

The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) has launched a campaign to honour Lukanga for his 30 years of service to the sport and its promotion of grassroots boxing.The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) has launched a campaign to honour Lukanga for his 30 years of service to the sport and its promotion of grassroots boxing.

The celebrations around Lukanga's 30th anniversary will take place on May 1 this year at the MTN Arena in Lugogo.

Speaking at the launch of Lukanga's 30th anniversary celebrations, UBF President Moses Muhangi said, "Samuel Lukanga is a true legend in Ugandan boxing.”

“His dedication and commitment to the sport have helped produce some of the best boxers in the country, I believe he deserves to be in the boxing Hall of Fame."

"Lukanga is a father figure to many boxers in Uganda. His guidance and mentorship have helped shape the careers of many successful boxers.”

To celebrate Lukanga's contribution to the sport, the UBF has organized a tournament that will aim to raise funds for the construction of a state-of-the-art Lukanga Boxing Club gym expected to cost billions.

Muhangi pledged to support the initiative with five million shillings as a personals donation and promised that UBF will donate more on behalf of the organization.

The event will feature more than 20 fights, including coaches, retired, and current boxers.

The fight of the day will be between Lukanga himself and Muhammed Mbidde, the chairman of the Kampala Boxing Club.

Lukanga founded the Lukanga Boxing Club in 1990, which has led to the establishment of 12 other clubs, including the Zebra Boxing Club of the late Zebra Ssenyange, Bwaise Boxing Club, Makindye, Busabaala, Kyengera, and others.

He has also sponsored other clubs, including COBAP, Gideon Boxing Club, Kalinabiri, and others.

Lukanga's impact on Ugandan boxing cannot be understated. His dedication and commitment to the sport have helped produce some of the best boxers in the country.

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