▪️Presidential candidates in the Uganda Boxing Federations must have a National Technical Officer certificate to participate in the elections. Muhangi says UBF members accepted it as a requirement
▪️Muhangi, going for his third term, explained they don’t have term limits in Uganda for as long as people elect you after every four years
As the 2026 Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) elections draw closer, renewed focus has shifted to the eligibility requirements for candidates seeking to challenge incumbent president Moses Muhangi, particularly following recent amendments to the UBF Constitution.
One provision attracting growing debate within boxing circles is the minimum academic qualification required for election to the UBF executive. Under the amended constitution, candidates must now possess Advanced Level education or its equivalent, including qualification as a National Technical Officer (NTO)—a shift from the previous Ordinary Level requirement.
This change has placed the spotlight on the National Technical Officers certification, a program introduced under Muhangi’s leadership. In September 2021, Muhangi presided over the maiden NTO certification course, held from 23rd to 27th September at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo. The five-day course, certified by the world governing body AIBA, attracted 26 participants, including UBF officials, boxing coaches, journalists, and representatives from the Office of the President.
The course was designed to equip participants with in-depth technical knowledge of boxing, covering rules, regulations, officiating standards, and governance, as part of a broader effort to professionalize the sport nationwide.
Philip “Kamu Kamu” Komuhanda and ATM Promotionz CEO Michael Obin are among those who have expressed interest in contesting against Muhangi.
Critical questions are now being raised over whether all aspiring candidates meet the revised academic or technical qualifications.
Some stakeholders argue that possession of an NTO certificate could prove decisive for aspirants who may not meet the formal academic threshold, effectively serving as an alternative pathway to eligibility. Others, however, caution that the certification should be applied consistently and transparently to avoid perceptions of advantage or exclusion.
Supporters of the incumbent contend that the NTO framework was established to raise standards across the sport and should be viewed as a professional benchmark rather than a political tool.
Critics, meanwhile, question whether the timing and structure of the qualification requirements could pose a challenge for late-emerging aspirants unfamiliar with the technical certification process.
With nominations ongoing and the Electoral Committee expected to scrutinize candidates’ credentials closely, the role of the NTO certification is now shaping up as a potentially decisive factor in determining who ultimately qualifies to contest for the UBF presidency.
As the boxing fraternity awaits formal declarations and verification of credentials, the unfolding debate underscores the broader stakes of the 2026 elections—not only about leadership, but also about governance standards and the future direction of boxing administration in Uganda.
Contacted, UBF President Moses Muhangi denied the NTO certification is a weapon to knock out some candidates.
“NTO is intended to give boxing stakeholders knowledge about event organising, governance and officiating,” Muhangi told boxersworld.co.ke in a telephone interview.
“The members of UBF accepted it as a requirement for anyone wishing to serve as an executive member of the federation, so it’s either you have an NTO certificate organised at federation level or you have an ITO certificate from any international sports federation where UBF is affiliated such as IBA, WB , ABU, WBC, etc.
“UBF trained 30 NTOs and 28 were certified, so any of the 28 can compete for executive positions. Certification courses are held as and when there is resources. To be a presidential candidate you need to first possess the requirements as provided for in the UBF constitution.”
The UBF supremo, going for his third term, explained they don’t have term limits in Uganda.
“We don’t have term limits in Uganda for as long as people elect you after every four years, that’s why I’m vying for my third term because I believe I have delivered.”
Muhangi listed the following as the requirements for Presidential candidates.
1. NTO or ITO certificate
2. Certificate of good conduct from Uganda Police
3. Senior 6 certificate and a minimum
4. One must have served in the club executive for a minimum of 10 years or he’s the outgoing executive member of UBF for minimum 5 years
5. Must be seconded by 5 districts out of the 120 districts where boxing is being played
Asked on whether it’s possible to organise another NTO course ahead of the elections, Muhangi said that’s a long shot.
“To organise a standard course for 5 days for a class of 25 students we need about 6,000 USD,” Muhangi explained, adding: “The NTO requirement is to ensure candidates have better understanding of the governance of the federation.”
Enumerating some of his achievements, Muhangi said since he took over office in 2018, he has transformed Uganda boxing and professionalized the management of this popular sport in the East African country.
1. Established a functional office for UBF with now 12 staff
2. made better the image of boxing in the country
3. Introduced the popular Champions League
4. Brought live television coverage of boxing contests
5. Succeeded to bring on board corporate sponsors into boxing
6. Many coaches and R&Js have been certified by IBA from Star 1 to 3
7. Secured 15 acre land where boxing academies will be built
8. Continued to present Uganda in international games
9. Hosted IBA President twice and once the IBA Vice President
Courtesy Chris Posiano of Naira Promotionz additional reporting by boxersworld.co.ke
