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The calls for the release of Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) president Moses Muhangi who is remanded to Luzira Prison, surpassed the jabs and punches in the second fight night of the Uganda Boxing Champions League.
Following Muhangi's remand to Luzira Prison last week over alleged forgery of receipts in the federation's accountability inquiry by the Public Accounts Committee, the UBF Champions League returned Saturday evening with less glamour.
The league's second edition started last month with a promise that the event would be held every two weeks at the MTN Arena, Lugogo.
On the opening night, 24 bouts were held with several celebrated fighters, including Uganda Bombers captain and Olympian Joshua Tukamuhebwa, in the main fight.
However, the second fight night preceded events that saw the boxing president being charged and remanded to Prison.
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Held at a smaller venue, 15 bouts from the juniors to the elite’s categories were on show at CFK Badminton Hall in Kamwokya.
Paul Raskara defeated Edward Kimera in the men's 63.5Kg category, Muzamir Semuddu easily won with a second round knock-out against Depark Mawanda in 71Kg elite men's category.
Free Muhangi calls
Several boxers voiced their frustration over the situation the boxing boss finds himself in.
Boxers participating in the league are drawn from boxing clubs based in many of Kampala’s slum areas.
Richard Kasujja, a light-middleweight fighter who was one of the boxers in the main fight on the opening night of the second edition, hailed Muhangi for uplifting the sport.
"Muhangi has kept boxing alive. He set a very high standard, and some of us have become famous because of him. Our friends and families are proud of us because of boxing," he said.
"I have lost morale. How shall we inspire the younger ones that boxing is a great thing if these things continue?” Kasujja asked.
Olympian Owen Kibira called upon the stakeholders to release their president.
"President Museveni, Janet Museveni (Education and Sports minister), and PAC chairman Asuman Basalirwa, please look into the issues of our president Muhangi.”
“He has uplifted our lives, especially we from the ghettos,” Kibira noted.
Muhangi is expected to appear in court on May 31 for a bail hearing.
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