Thomas Kawere (June 1, 1927 - December 5, 2021) also known as Tom Kawere was a Ugandan boxer and coach, known for his contributions to the sport both as a competitor and a mentor. Kawere was notably the first East African to win a medal in an international boxing tournament, securing a silver medal at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales.[1]
Thomas Kawere | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 June 1927 Uganda |
| Died | 5 December 2021 (aged 94) |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Occupation(s) | Boxer, Coach |
| Years active | 1945-1960 (as a boxer), 1959-2021 (as a coach) |
| Known for | First East African to win a medal in an international boxing tournament |
| Notable work | Silver medal at the 1958 Commonwealth Games |
| Awards | 'Service to Country' award (2016) |
Early life and education
editThomas Kawere was born on June 1, 1927. He attended Namilyango College, where his engagement with boxing began in 1945. Despite being an all-rounder, doing well in football, cricket, and athletics, Kawere decided to focus on boxing after a cricket injury. He captained the Namilyango College boxing team from 1945 to 1949.[2][3]
Boxing career
editKawere's boxing talent became more apparent. In 1958, he achieved a significant milestone by winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, making him the first East African to accomplish such a feat on an international platform.[3][4] Kawere's skill in the ring was enhanced by his unique footwork, a technique he often attributed to his background in dancing. He claimed that good dancers tend to have the footwork required for boxing success.[4][5]
Coaching and legacy
editAfter retiring from competitive boxing, Kawere transitioned to coaching, playing a significant role in the development of Ugandan boxing. He served as Uganda’s national boxing coach from 1959, mentoring boxers like Ayub Kalule and John 'The Beast' Mugabi.[2][3] Kawere's influence extended beyond Uganda; during the 1960 Rome Olympics, he allowed a young Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) to train with the Ugandan team, recognizing the benefits of this exchange for both parties involved.[2][3]
Awards and honors
editThroughout his life, Kawere received numerous recognition for his contributions to sports. In 2016, he was presented with the 'Service to Country' award at a Namilyango College alumni event, acknowledging his lasting impact on Ugandan boxing and sports culture.[3]
Personal life and death
editKawere was known for his vibrant personality and dedication to mentoring young athletes. He passed away in 2021 at nearly 100 years old, leaving behind a legacy as the grandfather of Ugandan boxing.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Boxing legend Tom Kawere dies aged 94". New Vision. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
- ^ a b c d "Kawere's footwork lessons made me special - Kalule". Monitor. 2021-12-16. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
- ^ a b c d e "1960 Olympics boxing coach Kawere honoured". Monitor. 2021-02-03. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
- ^ a b "Kawere won East Africa's first international boxing medal". Monitor. 2020-09-14. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
- ^ "Boxing legend Tom Kawere dies aged 94". New Vision. Retrieved 2024-05-30.