More than four decades after the fall of one of Africa’s most feared dictators, the grandson of former Ugandan ruler Idi Amin has stepped into the spotlight with a bold promise to become the “King of Scotland” by winning gold at the Commonwealth Games.
Twenty-five-year-old heavyweight boxer, Aziz Abdul, popularly known as Ringo, says he is determined to claim Commonwealth glory in Glasgow and has openly credited his grandfather as one of his biggest inspirations.
Abdul will face England’s Damar Thomas in the super heavyweight quarterfinals, with victory guaranteeing him at least a bronze medal and moving him one step closer to the gold medal he believes is within reach.
Speaking ahead of the contest, Abdul welcomed the opportunity to fight an English opponent.
“I am very happy to be fighting the English fighter. Nobody knows what is going to happen. As Mike Tyson said, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. Anything can happen in heavyweight boxing,” he said.
The Ugandan boxer said his grandfather’s boxing career inspired him long before he became known worldwide as one of Africa’s most notorious dictators.
“My grandfather’s boxing achievements inspired me. He was a heavyweight boxer like me, and I am so proud of him. As my grandpa used to say, you need to win by knockout, so that is what we have trained for and that is what I hope to do.”
Abdul added that he is fully focused on winning gold.
“I believe in myself and I mean what I say. When I say I will do it, I will do it. Let them not doubt me. I am aiming for the gold medal.”
The boxer also revealed his admiration for former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, whom he described as his idol.
“If I win the gold medal, I will be the baddest man in the Commonwealth, the baddest man in Glasgow, and the new King of Scotland. My big weapon is my Ringo punch. I am not going to tell you about it. I will show you when the right time comes.”
Idi Amin remains one of the most controversial figures in modern African history. A career military officer, he seized power in Uganda through a coup in 1971 and ruled until he was overthrown in 1979. Human rights organizations estimate that between 100,000 and 500,000 people were killed during his regime through executions, torture and political persecution.
Amin earned the nickname “The Butcher of Uganda” because of the widespread atrocities committed during his rule. Despite international condemnation, he was never prosecuted for alleged crimes against humanity. Following his removal from power, he lived in exile in Saudi Arabia, where he died in Jeddah in August 2003 at the age of 75.
Long before becoming president, Amin had built a reputation as an accomplished boxer, winning the Ugandan heavyweight championship and remaining unbeaten for several years. His sporting success is one of the reasons his grandson says he looks up to him inside the ring, despite the dictator’s notorious legacy.
Amin also developed an unusual fascination with Scotland. He frequently wore kilts, played the bagpipes and, in 1976, famously proclaimed himself “The Last King of Scotland.” His eccentric claim later inspired Scottish journalist Giles Foden’s 1998 novel The Last King of Scotland, which was adapted into the acclaimed 2006 film starring Forest Whitaker. Whitaker’s portrayal of Amin earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Uganda has enjoyed a proud history in Commonwealth boxing, winning eight gold medals overall. Three of those titles came at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, while the country’s most recent boxing gold was secured at the 1990 Games in Auckland. Abdul now hopes to end that long wait and write a new chapter in Uganda’s boxing history.
