Uganda: UABF is Being Destroyed By Selfish Interests

Wangwe Mulakha

18 July 2011

ONLY a new constitution will solve the wrangles hurting local boxing. The present laws are not in line with world body AIBA statutes. Uganda has to review the laws urgently and hold fresh elections within three months.

AIBA vice president Abdallah Bessalem has just concluded a probe into UABF wars. He observed that constitutions of both UABF factions conflict with AIBA.

Qualification of clubs to the assembly, exclusion of persons attached to professional ranks and establishment of an electoral commission are some of the provisions that AIBA wants included in UABF’s new constitution. A constitutional review committee should comprise of a member from each of the two factions, NCS, a lawyer and Uganda Olympic Committee. AIBA will endorse the revised laws before UABF’s electoral process starts.

However it is unfortunate to learn that while the Dr. Ntege Ssengendo executive, minister Charles Bakkabulindi and NCS welcomed the proposed roadmap, the group of Godfrey Nyakana snubbed it.

Nyakana accused Bessalem of being partisan and vowed to continue with his activities. Nyakana’s group even refused to sign a memorandum of understanding with the AIBA envoy. Bessalem however warned that failure to adhere to the roadmap could result in Uganda’s suspension from AIBA.

Many hoped that Bessalem’s visit was the last hope for local boxing. Many prayed that the warring factions would respect his counsel. Unfortunately, it is not the case. Selfish interests are at work. Politics has reigned supreme; not the Sweet Science!

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