RIP: Zebra Mando

He was killed outside his residence in St Francis Zone, Bwaise III Parish, Kawempe division when a group of Joint Ant-Terrorism Task Force  (JATT) operatives driving in three Toyota Hiace vehicles infamously known as drones, raided his home around midnight and sprayed his body with over 9 bullets.

Initially, it was suspected that the former boxer had been gunned down by criminal thugs but President Museveni later confirmed that indeed it was government operatives who had killed him following a misunderstanding. Mando had allegedly been conscripted into spying operations and criminal activities against members of the opposition, especially National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi.

Now, three years on, the legacy of Zebra Mando is at risk, with the boxing academy he left behind facing challenges that threaten its existence. The facility, intended to be a modern boxing hub accommodating over 500 boxers has stalled at the foundation level with muddy surroundings and a flooded structure that portrays a bleak picture of what was once a promising boxing academy.

In an interview with URN last year, Zebra’s widow, Mercy Mukankusi noted that despite repeated promises from different people including the government, no support has been rendered towards the completion of the boxing academy. 

Now, Zebra’s son, Isaac Ssenyange Jnr has decided to partner with Big Bang Promotions to organize a professional fight dubbed the Mando Memorial Fight Night to act as a fundraising starter.

Ssenyange believes that with a well-built gym and the proper facilities, the club can rehabilitate its image and produce world-class boxers, which will accomplish Zebra’s ambitions.   

The fight night is set for Friday, December 29 at the Lugogo Hockey Grounds, with various seasoned and upcoming pugilists anticipated to compete in the more than eight bouts.  

Entrance fees will be Shs 10,000 for ordinary and Shs 30,000 for VIP. Among the many boxers are Douglas Kalule, Ezra Ssali, Isaac Ssenyange, Rogers Semitala, John Nsamba, Nicholas Tomusange, Jeremiah Sserwadda, Isma Kaye, and Alex Mwesigwa.

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