▪️”I’ve turned pro to make money just like any other ambitious boxer, and aiming for bigger titles,” says Fatuma
June 24, 2026
Uganda’s fiercely talented Africa Zone 3 female featherweight champion, Fatuma “The Thunder” Nabikolo, is rewriting her career by seamlessly transitioning into professional boxing in Kigali, Rwanda.
Capitalizing on the International Boxing Association’s landmark liberalization that permits amateurs to fight professionally, Nabikolo has boosted her earning power by signing with BodyMax Promotions owned by Emma Karim who also serves as the Vice-President of the Rwanda Boxing Federation.
“Bodymax Promotions is giving East Africa’s elite pugilists a lucrative new stage,” Emma told boxersworld.co.ke in an interview.
“By fighting in our highly anticipated Liberation Boxing event in Kigali, Nabikolo secures the financial stability that local amateur tournaments rarely provide.”
This hybrid approach allows Fatuma to earn professional purses while still keeping her amateur status sharp, allowing her to balance a growing pro record with international amateur glory.
In an interview with the influential African boxing website, boxersworld.co.ke, the charismatic Ugandan boxing queen explained why she has decided to turn pro.
“I’ve turned professional to earn money like any other ambitious boxer, I’m also aiming for bigger titles since I have enough experience from my amateur boxing,” says Fatuma.
Fatuma makes her pro debut on July 5, 2026, in Kigali. The full card details have yet to be finalized.
An excited Fatuma is thrilled by the move she has made, and she’s satisfied with her terms with BodyMax Promotions which has availed their modern gym for Fatuma’s preparations ahead of the July 5 card.
“This is the best promotion I have seen offering very nice opportunities for me as a girl in boxing. It is really good, I’ve been warmly welcomed I feel at home with peace of mind” says Fatuma who is being handled by coach Muhaire Dixon.
“I’m seeing my future bright here. So far I haven’t had any problems or issues and even the boxers that I found already signed have never complained about anything so that alone shows me transparency and sound management in the promotion.
“When I compare this promotion to others I have heard about, they’re better organised and respect boxers as the most important people in the sport. BodyMax is the best promotion in Africa for me.”
Fatuma says she’s ready to do duty for the national team whenever her services are needed provided there’s mutual respect and transparency.
“I will be happy to join the national team when they need me because every boxer wants such opportunities to gain more experience.”
The 23-year-old Fatuma Nabikolo sent shockwaves in Africa’s boxing scene when she won a bronze medal, representing the national team for the first time at the 2024 Mandela African Boxing Cup Championships in Durban, South Africa in the7 bantamweight division.
On return home she moved up to featherweight class, proving invincible by twice winning Uganda Champions League belt as well as maintaining her unbeaten run.
“I don’t have enough challenge in Uganda, meeting same opponents all the time doesn’t excite me at all,” says Fatuma who is the reigning Africa Zone 3 champion, a title she captured in 2025 in Nairobi by outpointing DR Congo’s Phoba Kerene in the most successful ever Zone 3 Championships held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya.
