Aziz Abdul, the grandson of former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, is competing in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with hopes of securing a historic boxing medal for Uganda.
At 25 years old, Abdul, known by his nickname "Ringo," is a super-heavyweight boxer aiming to become Uganda’s first Commonwealth boxing medallist since 1990. He faces England’s Damar Thomas in the quarter-finals of the 90+kg category, with a win guaranteeing at least a bronze medal.
A Unique Legacy
Though he never met his grandfather, Abdul carries a complex legacy. Idi Amin ruled Uganda from 1971 to 1979, a period marked by brutal repression and human rights abuses. Amin’s fascination with Scotland, where he once served in the King's African Rifles, inspired his self-declared title as "King of Scotland" in 1976, a story later depicted in the Oscar-winning film The Last King of Scotland.
Abdul embraces this connection, stating, "I put up the flag, 'cause I like Scotland so much," and jokingly suggested he might be "the new King of Scotland" if he wins gold.
Defining His Own Path
While Abdul acknowledges his grandfather’s boxing background—Amin was a light-heavyweight champion in Uganda—he is determined to be recognized for his own achievements rather than his lineage. He expressed mixed feelings about his grandfather’s controversial legacy and prefers to focus on his sporting career.
"I want to do something for my country," Abdul said. "I have that dream that I'm gonna go back with a gold medal. That's the reason I'm here in Glasgow right now."
His goal is to replace the gold chain he wears with a Commonwealth Games gold medal, hoping his "Ringo punch" will secure victory and bring pride to Uganda.
