Nyanzi faces Angolan test as IBA Africa Elite championship start in Kinshasa
David GOMBE
Uganda’s Nyanzi Muhammad will lead the Bombers’ charge today as the IBA Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships throw off in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nyanzi is representing Uganda at the event in Congo courtesy of the faction led by 2004 Athens Olympian Sam Rukundo which is opposing Moses Muhangi’s leadership and seconded by the Friends of Boxing.
While flagging off the team that represents Uganda in Kenya, National Council of Sports general secretary Patrick Bernard Ogwel threatened to arrest factions that are against UBF.
Despite Ogwel’s threats, the team of nine boxers along with the Rukundo administration was on the plane to Kinshasa in the early morning hours of Sunday and this is the first time that Uganda has rival contingent at parallel continental competitions.
Infact before departure, the team had camped in Luweero for several weeks in preparation for the championship, Rukundo and his management also held trials at Makerere.
The 2026 edition, running under the theme “One Africa, One Ring”, has attracted Africa’s top elite boxers to Kinshasa from 22nd to 31st October.
Nyanzi, competing in the Featherweight (54-57kg) division, is Uganda’s sole representative in Thursday’s Afternoon Session – Session 1. He takes on Angola’s Angelo Hembeua Kambela Sessa in Bout 5 of the day, starting from the Red corner.
He will be aiming to kickstart Uganda’s campaign with victory in what promises to be a competitive opener.
Uganda’s Boxers in Kinshasa
Light: Sarah Laker
Bantam: Kirumira Musisi
Light fly: Aaron Yiga
Feather: Muhammad Nyanzi
Light: Hassan Musuza
Welter: Sadique Lukwago
Middleweight: Ronald Nsamba
Light heavy: Ronald Wandera
Heavy: Emmanuel Ebong
Coaches:
Micheal Kizza
Dickson Muhairwe
Full Thursday Afternoon Session Schedule – Session 1:
Bout 1 – Bantam (51-54kg): Mandou Mbouba Triomphe Sanctifie (CGO) – RED vs Manuel Paulo Banguine (MOZ) – BLUE
Bout 2 – Bantam (51-54kg): Haoseb Phillip Pumulo Mutakela (NAM) – RED vs Keorapetse Katlego (BOT) – BLUE
Bout 3 – Feather (54-57kg): Sigwele Masibulele (RSA) – RED vs Armando Rugoberto Sigauqua (MOZ) – BLUE
Bout 4 – Feather (54-57kg):Loic Mayelasamba (CMR) – RED vs Inene Elifas Tomao Kanbonde (NAM) – BLUE
Bout 5 – Feather (54-57kg):Nyanzi Muhammad (UGA) – RED vs Angelo Hembeua Kambela Sessa (ANG) – BLUE
Bout 6 – Feather (54-57kg): Modi Mbonza Le Daniel (COD) – RED vs Frontin Ivans Clyvere Giouvanni (MRI) – BLUE
Bout 7 – Feather (54-57kg):Mwale Mwengo (ZAM) – RED vs Gueva Oumar (SEN) – BLUE