Page 36 - April-June 2025

| MMA FOUNDATION FEATURE

By: Fight Club Kampala
Images courtesy of: Katunguka Andrew (andrew.katunguka@gmail.com)

Fight Club Kampala: A Haven for

Discipline, Growth, and Opportunity

“DON’T WISH FOR IT. WORK FOR IT” By providing a structured training program, the gym
n the heart of Kampala, amidst the bustling streets has helped many young people secure an education
and vibrant urban life, lies a place where discipline and jobs in security, sports, and even the film industry
Imeets passion, and dreams are forged through as stunt actors. This initiative has had a profound
sweat and perseverance—Fight Club Kampala. This impact, especially in ghetto communities, where
community-driven gym is more than just a training access to such opportunities is often limited.
centre; it is a symbol of resilience, empowerment, and
transformation for many young people in Uganda. A COMMUNITY GYM WITH A PURPOSE
One of the defining aspects of Fight Club Kampala is
The Vision of Mubiru Shakey its commitment to social change. The gym has played
Fight Club Kampala owned Mubiru Shakey, kickboxing a crucial role in getting children off the streets, giving
and Muay Thai champion who has proudly represented them a sense of purpose and belonging. Through
Uganda on international platforms. His journey has rigorous training, mentorship, and teamwork, many of
taken him to countries such as Nepal, Hungary, France these young individuals have transformed their lives,
and Thailand, where he not only competed but also moving away from negative influences and towards a
drew inspiration from the discipline and dedication disciplined, goal-driven mindset.
of young fighters. Particularly, his time in Nepal left
a deep impression, as he witnessed how kickboxing To sustain the community gym (New Generation
instilled structure and purpose in children’s lives. Mixed Martial Arts Foundation Uganda), Shakey also
established a commercial gym in Bugolobi, located at
Upon returning to Uganda, Shakey made a bold 5th Street Industrial Area. This facility offers kickboxing
decision—to establish a community gym that would (Muay Thai) training to people of all ages, emphasizing
serve as a safe space for young people, particularly the health benefits and self-defence aspects of the
from disadvantaged backgrounds. His goal was to sport. The revenue generated from this commercial
gym helps support the community gym, ensuring that
use kickboxing as a tool to transform lives, giving free or subsidized training remains available for those
children and youth an alternative to the dangers of who need it most.
the streets while offering them skills that could lead to
career opportunities.
BUILDING FIGHTERS, COACHES AND CAREERS
Since its inception, Fight Club Kampala has trained
and developed numerous fighters, coaches, and
security personnel who have gone on to work in major
Ugandan events, including Nyege Nyege Festival and
Enkuka. The gym has not only become a centre for
kickboxing but also a hub for personal development.

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