KAMPALA — The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) has been thrust into the spotlight after the government issued a strict five-day ultimatum to all national sports bodies to address governance shortcomings or face possible deregistration.

The directive, enforced through the National Council of Sports (NCS), comes amid heightened scrutiny over the management of sports organizations in Uganda. Sports bodies must demonstrate compliance with governance standards, including transparency, proper administration, and accountable leadership.

For the UBF, the clock is ticking. But sports analysts believe the federation can beat the deadline if it moves quickly and decisively. Key steps being urged include:

1. Immediate Documentation Audit – Ensuring that all constitutions, registration certificates, financial statements, and executive committee records are up to date and readily available for NCS verification.
2. Emergency Governance Review Meeting – Convening the executive board and stakeholders within 48 hours to address any irregularities, amend gaps in their structures, and formalize resolutions on paper.
3. Clear Financial Accountability – Submitting a transparent report of income and expenditure from recent events, sponsorship deals, and grants to align with government auditing requirements.
4. Public Communication Strategy – Reassuring members, athletes, and the public that boxing’s governing body is committed to reforms, thereby maintaining confidence in the sport.

“The deadline is tight, but with proper coordination, UBF can use this as an opportunity to prove its professionalism and commitment to governance excellence,” said a local sports governance expert.

This ultimatum lands just as Uganda’s Youth Scrabble Team departs for Kenya’s continental championship — a reminder of the broader sports community’s need for strong structures to support athletes at all levels.

The NCS has made it clear that non-compliant federations risk losing their operational licenses, a move that could disrupt competitions, funding, and international representation.

For boxing, a sport with deep roots and a rich history in Uganda, beating this deadline is not just about avoiding deregistration — it is about safeguarding the sport’s future, ensuring athlete welfare, and protecting the federation’s credibility on both national and global stages.