TAKEAWAYS

• Moses Golola vowed to become Uganda’s Minister of Sports in 2031 to fix the game’s massive funding and infrastructure gaps.
• The kickboxing star plans to petition Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth to mandate that all MPs build gymnasiums for local talent.
• Golola revealed he met President Museveni seeking sports support but left empty-handed without any official commitments.

Renowned Ugandan kickboxer Moses Golola has criticised the lack of government funding and infrastructure for kickboxing, vowing to take matters into his own hands by becoming the Minister of Sports in 2031.

Golola, who rose to national fame through his flamboyant personality, humorous remarks and achievements in the ring, revealed that he had initially considered retiring from active competition to concentrate on nurturing young talent. However, musician and close friend Mary Bata advised him that he could pursue both responsibilities.

According to the kickboxer, his passion for the sport remains deeply rooted, even at the expense of his personal life, including settling down with a woman.

Golola attributed kickboxing’s struggle to gain sufficient recognition and support to inadequate infrastructure and limited funding. He revealed that he had previously met President Yoweri Museveni hoping to secure support for the sport but left without any commitments.

“I breathe kickboxing and live it. This is something that has become part of my life, and I cannot simply walk away from it,” Golola said.

He further disclosed plans to petition Parliament Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth to consider a motion requiring every Member of Parliament to facilitate the establishment of a gymnasium in their constituency to identify, train and nurture young sporting talent.

Rather than appeal to the current Minister of State for Sports, Golola said he intends to occupy the office himself after the 2031 elections.

“I am going to become the Minister of Sports in 2031, and I will do what I believe needs to be done to develop this sport,” he added.

Meanwhile, Golola revealed that he is preparing to meet the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, to discuss reviving traditional sporting activities, particularly among Buganda’s clans.

He argued that sports has historical and cultural significance in Buganda, linking it to the Kabaka’s celebrated nickname, Maggulu Nyondo, and called for renewed efforts to restore pride in the sport.