By Juma Ali
Popular Ugandan pugilist Shadir Muda Bwogi has apologized for his poor show at the Olympic qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal.
The Africa Boxing Union Champion, who lost to Algeria’s Younes Nemouchi in the Men’s 80kgs 5-0 in the round of 32 at the ongoing Africa Continental Olympic qualifiers on Sunday, used his official Twitter account to apologize for the performance.
“Sorry to my countrymen and women, today was a bad day in the office, but I wish you (other boxers) good luck; please progress to the next stage for God and my country,” Bwogi tweeted.
Nemouchi is no stranger to Ugandan opponents, having also beaten David Ssemujju at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The former bombers captain was eyeing a second appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, having featured at the 2020 Tokyo edition, although he lost 3-1 to Georgia’s Eskerkhan Madiev.
Bwogi’s inclusion on the team by the Uganda Olympics Committee was criticized by the Uganda Boxing Federation, who protested the move.
Uganda is represented by six boxers at the qualifiers; however, Bwogi’s exit takes the number of eliminated fighters to three, with Grace Nankinga, who lost to Tanzania’s Yusuf Zulfa Macho and Jonah Kyobe, who lost to Mozambique’s Rigoberto Armando, both losing 5-0 in the round of 32.
However, Joshua Tukamuhebwa, Isaac Zebra Ssenyange and Fathia Mawanda are still in the qualifiers.
Tukamuhebwa knocked out Ethiopia’s Alem Gebrenariam in the round of 32 and will face Farlo Ndjinga (Gabon). At the same time, Isaac Zebra Ssenyange got a 4-1 win over South Africa’s Simnikiwe Bongco to reach the round of 16.
Fathia Mawanda will face Senegal’s Pape Mamadou in the round of 16, having received a bye in the first round.
