Uganda’s boxing contingent suffered a major setback just hours before the gloves come off at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after both of their female representatives were ruled out of the tournament.
In a shocking twist, featherweight star Fatuma Nabikolo and lightweight fighter Angel Katushabe were disqualified from competing for failing to undergo the mandatory Gender Eligibility Tests, a requirement recently reinforced by World Boxing, the sport’s global governing body.
The news came as a bitter pill for the Ugandan camp, which had spent weeks preparing the quartet of fighters for the continental showpiece.
“It’s a painful situation. The girls were in great shape and ready to fight. Unfortunately, there was a communication lapse between our local federation and the international authorities,” lamented coach Samuel Kabugo. “We’ll now put all our focus on the two men who are still in contention.”
With Nabikolo and Katushabe sidelined, Uganda’s hopes now rest on Alfred Ojok and Jimmy Adriko, who both begin their campaigns at the quarterfinal stage following Wednesday night’s draw.
Ojok, competing in the 80kg division, received a bye in the opening round and will square off against Iran’s Mohammad Nourani. A victory would set him up for a semifinal clash against either Turkey’s Osmanli or the winner between Afghanistan’s Gulzad and Egypt’s Elsharkawi F.
Meanwhile, Adriko enters the 60kg category with a tough test against Azerbaijan’s Gasimzada M., as he hunts for a podium finish.
The boxing bouts officially begin Thursday, November 6, 2025, with Uganda now fighting not just for medals but also for redemption after a bruising administrative blunder.
