Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation (UABF) is to conduct mandatory HIV tests on boxers that will participate in the National Open Championship set to start on February 10 in Kampala.

UABF vice president Ntege Ssengendo announced the requirement of HIV and doping tests for boxers over the weekend, noting that the measure is aimed at protecting boxers in the contact sport.

"This test will not stop in the Open alone. We intend to carry one during the course of any tournament," said Ntege, who is also head of Uganda Olympic Committee's (UOC) anti-doping commission.

The pugilists, who would like to fight in the National Open, will also be tested for Hepatitis B as well as doping tests in measures aimed at making the competition the best local sports event.

Newly-elected UABF president Roger Ddungu said the test was a fulfillment of his promise to enforce hygiene in boxing.

"There is no cause for alarm. This is meant to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in boxing... Every boxer must be in good health, no drugs," explained Ddungu.

The February 10-18 National Open due at Lugogo Indoor Stadium is the biggest local boxing event. The top prize for the winning team would be a motorbike. Gold and silver medal winners would pocket 200,000 Ugandan shillings (110 US dollars) and 100,000 shillings (55 dollars) respectively.

Editor: Donald