Arua, Uganda – October 2, 2025

In a vibrant press conference held at the Boxing Club Center in Niva Cell, Prison Ward, Central Division, Arua City, the Arua City Boxing Club announced bold plans to expand sports initiatives across the West Nile region.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including the founder of Anda Boxing Club in Kampala, Andama Daku, Arua City Sports Officer Lika Muktar, Prime Minister of Lugbara Kari Tuku Ismail, coaches, boxers, media, and other dignitaries, to strategize on empowering youth through sports and elevating their talents to national and international stages.

A Vision for Youth Empowerment Through Sports

The President of Arua City Boxing Club, Oshino Rashid, emphasized the transformative impact of sports in the region. He highlighted how the club has steered many young people away from criminal activities and toward productive endeavors through sports. “Boxing has given youth a purpose, with some even earning scholarships through their dedication,” Oshino stated. He urged more young people to join the club, which offers a variety of sports activities, and called on the government and other agencies to provide greater support for youth development in sports.

Oshino revealed that the club is actively working on expanding its reach to districts such as Terego, Maracha, and Yumbe, aiming to make sports a cornerstone of youth development across West Nile. “Our vision is to create opportunities for young people to showcase their talents and build brighter futures,” he said, underscoring the club’s commitment to regional growth.

Challenges and Calls for Support

Arua City Sports Officer Lika Muktar echoed Oshino’s sentiments, noting that the National Council of Sports has officially recognized the Arua City Boxing Club for its contributions. He encouraged coaches, boxers, and youth to collaborate and share experiences to foster growth in sports activities. However, Lika pointed out a significant hurdle: funding. “Finance remains one of the biggest challenges to the growth of sports in West Nile,” he said, appealing to well-wishers and organizations for financial support to sustain and expand these initiatives.

Lika also commended Oshino for his relentless efforts and perseverance in leading the club, which has become a beacon of hope for many young athletes in the region.

Cultural and Community Collaboration

Tuku Ismail, the Prime Minister of Lugbara Kari, urged the club’s leadership to visit the Lugbara Kari Cultural Center to explore inclusive opportunities for collaboration. He encouraged boxers to remain resilient despite challenges, emphasizing that sports can be a powerful tool for personal and community development. “Embrace the journey, and let’s work together to overcome obstacles,” Tuku advised.

A Commitment from Kampala

Adding to the momentum, Andama Daku, founder of Anda Boxing Club in Kampala, pledged to support the Arua City Boxing Club by providing training gear and other resources to elevate its profile. Drawing from his own experience, Andama testified to the transformative power of sports. “I’ve seen how sports can pull youth away from crime and inspire them to be productive,” he said. “With perseverance, young athletes can market themselves and achieve greatness.”

Andama’s commitment is a significant boost for the club, which aims to establish itself as a leading force in Ugandan boxing and bring West Nile’s talent to the national and international stage.

A Bright Future for West Nile Sports

The press conference marked a pivotal moment for the Arua City Boxing Club and the broader sports community in West Nile. With a clear vision, strong leadership, and growing support, the club is poised to expand its impact, offering young people a platform to develop their talents, stay productive, and steer clear of negative influences. As the club moves forward with its expansion plans, the call for collaboration and financial support remains critical to turning this vision into reality.

For more information on how to support the Arua City Boxing Club or get involved, contact the club through its official channels or visit the Boxing Club Center in Arua City. Together, we can empower the youth of West Nile to punch above their weight—both in the ring and in life.