Arua City Boxing Club Receives Gear from Netherlands’ Anda
Andama Daku (in green) handing over the assorted boxing materials to Arua City Boxing Club
ARUA CITY: Arua City Boxing Club has received a significant boost with a donation of assorted boxing equipment from Anda Boxing Club, a Netherlands-based sports organization founded by Andama Daku, a native of West Nile.
The donation, which includes gloves, headgear, training kits, and other essential items, aims to nurture and promote sporting talent in the region.
According to club officials, this support will enhance training capacity and motivate young boxers to pursue the sport more competitively. Anda Boxing Club, based in Amsterdam, is working to bridge opportunities between Europe and Uganda by supporting grassroots sports initiatives.
During a homecoming event on Thursday in Arua City, Andama Daku, the founder of Anda Boxing Club, addressed the press, describing the donation as a way to give back to his community and contribute to the growth of boxing in Arua and the broader West Nile sub-region.
“Boxing is my passion, my profession, and my livelihood. Seeing young boys and girls training fills me with joy. I’m a man of action rather than words. My team and I brought some equipment;gloves, and training kits to get things started, and we’ll build from there,” Daku said.
Leaders of Arua City Boxing Club welcomed the donation, calling it vital for improving local boxers’ performance. They pledged to use the equipment effectively to elevate boxing standards in the region.
Rashis Osino, the chairperson of Arua City Boxing Club and councilor for Bazzar Ward in Arua Central Division, highlighted the transformative impact of boxing on the community.
“Boxing has changed lives. Many youths in our program were once involved in drug addiction or other social vices, but boxing gave them purpose. Some lacked confidence and struggled with low self-esteem, but now they’re vocal advocates against crime and drug abuse.
They’re winning medals, and some have even earned scholarships to resume their education after dropping out. We’re deeply grateful to Andama and his team. This donation is an answered prayer for West Nile,” Rashid said.
Meanwhile, Rt. Hon. Ismail Tuku, the Prime Minister of the Lugbara Kari Cultural Institution, pledged support for the initiative but cautioned boxers against misusing their skills.
“Boxing is a sport to be practiced in the ring, not at home. Don’t take your frustrations out on your spouse after a tough match or loss. That’s a problem we want to avoid,” Tuku emphasized.
“We encourage you to stay disciplined and use boxing as a profession to earn a decent living.”
This donation marks a growing partnership between local and international clubs, raising hopes for new opportunities for emerging sports talent in Uganda.