Uganda’s reigning Africa Zone 3 champion Fatuma Nabikolo has hinted at a possible move to the professional ranks, saying she needs bigger challenges than those currently available on the local amateur boxing scene.

The 23-year-old featherweight, who has established herself as one of Uganda’s most dominant female boxers, believes the time may be approaching for her to explore new opportunities in the sport.

“I don’t have enough challenge in Uganda. Meeting the same opponents all the time doesn’t excite me at all,” Nabikolo said, a statement that has fueled speculation about her future in boxing.

Nabikolo recently praised BodyMax Promotions for its professionalism and athlete-centered approach, describing it as the best boxing promotion in Africa.

“I have never heard any boxer complain about anything, and that alone shows transparency and sound management in the promotion. When I compare it to others I have heard about, they are better organised and respect boxers as the most important people in the sport. BodyMax is the best promotion in Africa for me,” she said.

Her admiration for the promotion has further strengthened talk that a transition to the professional ranks could be on the horizon.

Despite considering new challenges, Nabikolo remains committed to representing Uganda whenever called upon by the national team.

“I will be happy to join the national team when they need me because every boxer wants such opportunities to gain more experience,” she noted.

Nabikolo burst onto the continental scene in 2024 when she claimed a bronze medal at the Mandela African Boxing Cup Championships in Durban, South Africa. It was her first appearance for Uganda at the tournament and she immediately made her mark in the bantamweight division.

Following her return home, she moved up to featherweight and continued her dominance, winning the Uganda Champions League belt twice while maintaining an unbeaten run.

Her biggest achievement came in 2025 when she captured the Africa Zone 3 title in Nairobi, Kenya, defeating DR Congo’s Phoba Kerene in the final at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

With an impressive amateur résumé already built and a desire for tougher competition, Nabikolo appears to be edging closer to a decision that could see her join the professional ranks and test herself on an even bigger stage.