International boxing president pledges to support boxing in Uganda

Paul Kiwuuwa
Journalist @New Vision
Dec 01, 2022

International Boxing Association President Umar Kremlev Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.

He was accompanied by members of the boxing federation from Russia, the patron of the Uganda Boxing Federation, Captain Mike Mukula and the president of Uganda Boxing Federation, Moses Muhangi.

Umar Kremlev, Anitah Among, Moses Muhangi and other boxing presidents from neighbouring countries take a group photo after the courtesy visit at Parliament. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi)

Umar Kremlev, Anitah Among, Moses Muhangi and other boxing presidents from neighbouring countries take a group photo after the courtesy visit at Parliament. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi)

Umar Kremlev pledged financial support for the construction of the state-of-the-art boxing academy in the country.

“This morning we visited the land in Matugga which was given to the Boxing Academy where we laid a foundation stone to pave way for the construction of a state-of-the-art training academy in Matugga, about 20 kilometres north of the capital, Kampala,” Kremlev said.

 Kremlev who did not disclose the amount of money for support said: “I pledge our financial support as International Boxing Federation President, to pave way for the construction of the biggest boxing academy expected to kick off next year.”

Mukula revealed that the land where the boxing academy will be built was given by Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

Kremlev made the revelation through an English interpreter in a meeting with Speaker Among in her boardroom at Parliament.  

Umar Kremlev autographs one of the pairs of gloves he donated to the Parliament of Uganda. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi)

Umar Kremlev autographs one of the pairs of gloves he donated to the Parliament of Uganda. (Photo by Miriam Namutebi)

Kremlev was flanked by the various leaders of African national boxing associations, including Jamal Omboko president of Kenya Boxing association and Omo Agege Siena Azania, president of Nigerian Boxing Federation.

Kremlev further pledged to assist both local boxers and coaches to prepare for international competition.

Umar Kremlev helps the Speaker wear the boxing gloves.(Photo by Miriam Namutebi)

Umar Kremlev helps the Speaker wear the boxing gloves.(Photo by Miriam Namutebi)

Kremlev also requested the Speaker to make a policy for boxing to be practised in schools and universities to tap into young talents to develop the sport.

“In my country Russia, boxing is practised, in schools and universities. I have visited Cuba and England the same is practised, so Uganda should do the same,” he said.

He also asked the speaker and the legislature to enact good laws that will protect all the sports fraternity in the country

In her remarks, Among hailed Kremlev and requested the International Boxing Federation to help establish 17 boxing rings to boost boxing in the armed forces and other local clubs.

The speaker also revealed that the sports law was currently at the committee stage for scrutiny.

 Two weeks ago, Parliament allowed the tabling of a private member’s National Sports Bill.

The Bill sponsored by Moses Magogo (Budiope East) was tabled for its first reading by Bugiri Municipality MP, Asuman Basalirwa after the Speaker declined a request by the government to have a consolidated proposed law tabled before the House soon.

The speaker said she had referred the Bill to Parliament’s Committee on Education and Sports for scrutiny.

The object of the Bill is to repeal the National Council of Sports Act. Cap 48 to establish the Uganda Sports Commission.

The proposed law intends to consolidate and modernize the law relating to the incorporation and registration of national sports organizations and community sports clubs as well as provide for the management, promotion, development, and regulation of professional, amateur, and recreational sports in Uganda.

Speaker Among also tasked the Ministry of Finance to ensure the immediate release of funds for the sports sector as appropriated by Parliament. 

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