We are slowly returning to the olden days when every grievance ended in the arena or, in modern Uganda, the celebrity boxing ring. Honestly, this might just be the solution to half our national problems. Over the weekend, two celebrities better known for their romantic CVs than their art decided to settle scores with gloves on. Sheilah Gashumba’s ex, Rickman, squaring off with Zari Hassan’s husband, Shakib. No one really remembers the source of the beef; maybe Twitter, maybe a bar, maybe just Kampala vibes but the two decided to go old-fashioned and let fists do the talking. In the build-up, Shakib’s camp promised fireworks, even claiming he was sent by Rickman’s ex, Sheilah, to finish him properly.

Ugandans love drama, so of course the hype was thicker than a CJs milkshake. But once the bell rang, it was Rickman’s endurance and surprisingly clean boxing skills that spoke the loudest. He floored Shakib and picked up his second win in the celebrity boxing series. This was not Rickman’s first rodeo. Remember December 2024? That is when he thumped fellow singer Grenade Official in another bout, proving he is slowly building a side hustle as Kampala’s unofficial celebrity Mike Tyson.

Congratulations, Rickman! But beyond the punches, here is a thought: maybe boxing should be Uganda’s new conflict resolution tool. Forget petitions, court cases, and endless pressers. Imagine politicians settling scores in the ring. We all recall how our famous good General challenged the other president to a fight. Maybe now we can revisit that idea and finally talk presidential succession properly. At this rate, Parliament might need to install a boxing ring in the chambers. You gerrit? If you do not gerrit, forget about it.

*Written by Mark Peter Ssegirinya