Uganda’s hopes in the female boxing category at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games have suffered a major blow after two of the national team boxers were disqualified for failing to undergo mandatory gender eligibility tests.
The duo, Fatuma Nabikolo and Angel Katushabe, were ruled out on the eve of the boxing competitions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
According to World Boxing, the body overseeing the sport at the Games, these tests are now compulsory for all female athletes before they are allowed to compete.
Uganda’s head coach Samuel Kabugo expressed disappointment, revealing that the issue came as a result of miscommunication between international officials and the local boxing federation.
“We are saddened that our female boxers will not compete despite preparing very well. There was miscommunication between our bosses at the global level and the local federation. But we still have the two male boxers ready to represent the country,” Coach Kabugo told reporters.
Before the setback, the two female fighters had been actively training alongside their male teammates Alfred Ojok and Jimmy Adriko.
Despite the disqualification of the female athletes, Uganda will still be represented by two male boxers:
Alfred Ojok (80kg) received a bye in the first round and will now take on Mohammad Nourani from Iran in the quarterfinals. The winner will meet either Turkey’s Osmanli, Afghanistan’s Gulzad, or Egypt’s Elsharkawi in the next stage.
Jimmy Adriko (60kg) begins his medal chase in the quarterfinals against Gasimzada M. from Azerbaijan.
The boxing matches officially started on Thursday, 6th November 2025, with Uganda now hoping the two remaining fighters can secure medals and lift the national flag high.
