Mbale kickboxer on the rise: Lukwago’s journey to the top

28 March 2024, 6:11 pm

By Shadrach Bethel Afayo

When one talks about Mbale City, it is very rare for them to think about kickboxing or any form of martial arts as being the center of attention or identity of this Eastern Uganda City. In fact, the first set of things that run through the minds of many at the mention of Mbale in many places I have been to are ‘Malewa’ and Imbalu/Circumcision.

However, there’s a name that is slowly placing the city on the national front through kickboxing. Mbale Kickboxing Club’s Sinan Lukwago, is the young man who is gradually gaining traction in the Ugandan kickboxing circuit. A young prolific fighter determined to leave a footprint of greatness on the sport within Mbale and Uganda at large.

This Mbale native recently secured a dominant win against Magumba and is currently the All World Fight Organization System (A.F.S.O) Lightweight Ugandan Champion, a victory that has many of his fans buzzing with anticipation. But Lukwago’s journey to the top is far from a straight shot. Let’s delve into the biography of this rising star, explore the challenges he has faced, and examine his aspirations for the future.

Interview:

Tell us a bit about your childhood and how you first got interested in kickboxing?

Sinan Lukwago is a 25 year old young man born and raised in Busamaga, Mbale City, I am a son to Abdul Mutwalib Magulu and the late Nabirye Zuraifa. I attended primary school at Namalogo P/S then joined Nkoma Secondary School from form one till form three. I sat for my Uganda Certificate of Exams (U.C.E) at University Link High School. However, financial hardships back home made it hard for me to continue with my education and yet at that point in time, I had developed the passion to get into the ring and fight.
I literally started my kickboxing journey at a young age, by the age of six I was already throwing around kicks and punches as I watched my uncle (Muzamiru Magulu) who is also my personal coach do his training at home. My first ever opportunity in a ring for a fight came when I was fourteen years old.

Prior to your recent championship victory, what was your training journey like and who are the mentors that helped you reach this level of success?

Well, the training has been and will always be vigorous and painful, you never become a champion without any sacrifice. However, my family has been my biggest support system, My father, Uncle, who is also my coach and siblings have all played their part in the success I have achieved, I also have friends and different people who have been part of my journey. For example, Hassan Nsubuga, Isaiah Destiny, Jabbi Gimei Masumba and Osman. All have played key roles for me to be where I am today, for example Osman has offered Mbale Kickboxing Club his premises at SMAK Trekkers Point for us to do our trainings. He has even allowed us to use the gym and other facilities for free of charge. Such support is not something I can take for granted.

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced in your kickboxing career?

Like many sportsmen in Uganda, my journey has been littered with very many obstacles, for now we do not have adequate trainings equipment and facilities of our own as a club, there is a lack of sponsorships and many financial constraints which have affected not only my progress but even that of many other fighters in Mbale Kickboxing Club as well. Despite all of these struggles, we have to persevere and keep working hard. My passion for the sport and unwavering dream for success keeps me going.

How do you manage to balance the demands of training and competing with other aspects of life?

For me kickboxing is like my full time job because I am currently unemployed, I have a timetable for my trainings that is designed by my coach. He is like a father to me and he is therefore considerate of my other obligations and responsibilities as a child at home. We plan and schedule whatever we do to make sure I am also productive at home when I am not training.

Kickboxing requires a lot of mental toughness. What mental training routine do you use to stay focused during fights?

My vision is what holds me together most times, there points it gets tough and I will not lie that I haven’t felt like quitting at some point. But I have a vision that says “MBALE TO THE WORLD”, and every time I step into the ring, I fight knowing it is not just about me. I have to put Mbale on the world map in kickboxing.

What are your biggest dreams and aspirations as a kickboxer?

Currently I am aiming at representing Uganda on the African stage and the World stage as well. The A.F.S.O lightweight title is not enough. I have to continue training hard to fight on the African stage and the World stage as well.

Do you have any plans for what you might do after your kickboxing career?

I want to be able to touch and transform lives of many young people, not just through words but also through actions. I want to help the less privileged and use my talent to support other people who are struggling with life, I hope to start a charity organization in the future that will support those with talent but lack a helping hand.
I also want to remain active in kickboxing while mentoring those interested in learning about the sport.

Who are some of your kickboxing idols or role models?

Buakaw, from Thailand is someone I look up to when it comes to kickboxing, my coach Muzamiru Magulu has a lot in his skill-set that I have learnt and I am still learning. I also look up to Umar Sematta who is based in Thailand. My admiration for them is based on their discipline, the passion they have for kickboxing and their movements in the ring.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out with kickboxing?

Be disciplined, that is how you will be able to learn and go further, be determined in what you do because that is how you will avoid any disruptions, have love and passion for what you have started because kickboxing training is very painful and if you don’t endure, you cannot go any further in your career.

How would you describe the kickboxing scene in Mbale?

People are starting to pick up interest in the sport and they are coming to watch our fights. I believe that in five years time, kickboxing will be one of the most popular sporting activities in Mbale City.

Any final comments and remarks?

I would like thank everyone who has supported my journey in any way to where I am today. I am very grateful to you all. The fans, those who invest their money, and the media too. Many people have contributed to my success. I am still hungry for more and I will embark on my vision of taking MBALE TO THE WORLD!
I would like to appeal to the leaders and other stakeholders to support the local talent here such that we can expose our city to the outside world and bring about development. Many convince us for support and votes during campaigns with the promise of supporting our talent but they have ended up disappointing us.