Minister Ogwang tightens lock on Boxing in schools after harsh video

State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang | photo credit: Courtesy

BOXING Minister Ogwang tightens lock on Boxing in schools after harsh video

Shafic Kiyaga 20:12 - 26.09.2023

Uganda State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang has re-affirmed the guideline that Boxing shall remain unlawful in schools.

This guideline was followed a disturbing video that has emerged in the wake of the Uganda Boxing Champions League Week 11.

In the video, boxing coach Herbert Kalungi mercilessly caned junior boxer Daphine Namitala of Sparks Boxing Club after losing a match to Irene Apiyo of Gulu Boxing Club.

It has also sparked huge reactions on social media, including Uganda Boxing Federation president Moses Muhangi.

"It has to come to our attention that there is a trending disturbing video involving one of our boxers," a statement from UBF partly reads.

"As a Federation, we do not condone corporal punishments as it is illegal in Uganda," the release adds.

Ogwang joined in the condemnation of the merciless act, replying to Muhangi’s statement via X [Twitter] stating; “This is indeed very disturbing and must be condemned.”

“Please establish the facts and ensure that investigations commence in due course so that justice prevails.”

“Corporal punishment is unlawful and punishable by law. Above all, boxing as a sport remains illegal in schools untill gov't comes up with the guiding regulations,” he added.

Pulse Sports Uganda understands that Kalungi, has since been arrested by the Uganda Police and has been placed under custody at the Jinja Police station where he will spend the night.

Boxing in schools was banned by Ogwang’s predecessor Hamson Obua in June 2022.

Obua’s directive guided that the plan to organise schools championships under UBF be suspended pending a decision from a meeting with top Management of Ministry [of] Education and Sports.

UBF’s management under Moses Muhangi has been pushing for the suspension to be lifted, but the latest situation look set to minimize those efforts.