Titus Tugume a.k.a ‘The Hard Rock is a Ugandan martial artiste competing in kick-boxing, Karate, and Taekwondo.
Tugume was born on August 24, 1986 in Kashenyi Kitagata Sheema district to the late Joab Babundabyaho and Naume Kamarembo. Unfortunately the dad died in 2004.
He comes from a family of nine children and he is the second born.
He started school at Kakanzu primary school, later joined Kagamba SS in Ntungamo district for O level in 2006 before joining Ngabo academy in 2008 for A level in Mbarara district.
In 2009, Tugume joined Datamine Technical Business School where he pursued a certificate in computer. In 2012, he joined Kampala University – Ggaba campus on scholarship for Bachelors Degree Public Administration. He graduated in 2016. During his time at Kampala university, they were the best in martial games in the entire East Africa.
Galaxy FM reporter, Huzaifa Ssenkima caught up with him at Auto Spa Munyonyo and had a conversation.
And here is more about the interview
Huzaifa: When did you join the Army?
Titus: I joined the UPDF in 2002 while still in high school and am now on a rank of Senior Sergeant.
Huzaifa: Please tell me about your kick-boxing journey.
Titus: I was inspired by my uncle, Ben who motivated me to join the army in 2002. Uncle Ben, who was was a former director at Victors FC and saw a talent in me and recommended me to join the kick-boxing profession. From my childhood I used to warch kick-boxing movies of stars like Jean Claude Van damme. I have had several fights before turning professional in 2011.
Huzaifa: Can you Please tell me about your kick-boxing records
Titus: I have had 44 fights so far including 7 knock outs, 8 losses and 29 wins. Out of those I have knocked out Malik Kariisa (Uganda), Danella from California etc. Among the loses, two were controversial against Golola Moses at freedom city and lugogo; others were in South Korea, Italy and in USA twice. However before turninga professional in 2011, I had a number of fights which can’t even recall for instance I went to South Korea and won 2 bronze titles in 2009, in Italy won Silver and in 2010 I won a gold medal in California.
In 2011 I won a belt from Marik Kariisa and I managed to successfully defend it in 2012. In 2013, I won a Hungarian in a friendly fight. In the same year I fought Golola at freedom city and I lost controversially having handed a lucky punch. I also lost a rematch at Lugogo in 2015.
Huzaifa: What is your latest win you have had?
Titus: It was earlier this year, I won a title and a belt in Los Angeles in both semi and light weight conduct.
Huzaifa: Who is you toughest opponent?
Titus: Monchel Jossam (Ukrain) fought him in 2009.
Huzaifa: Who would you love to fight against apparently?
Titus: I still demand Golola rematch, but only on condition if we have international judges because I feel I was cheated since our judges don’t offer professional judgement. I would wish to have another chance to prove people wrong. Golola doesn’t follow rules of the game.
Huzaifa: What are some of the challenges you have encountered in the kick-boxing profession?
Titus: I feel like I have had less recognition from the government yet am the one who introduced kickboxing in the UPDF. In Uganda we have limited facilitates and sponsorships.
Huzaifa: Who is your role Model?
Titus: Micheal J White from USA he is really good at martial arts because he has done it all.
Huzaifa: Who is your crash?
Titus: Haha. That one is a difficult question for me because it might disrupt my relationship. Much as we are also human being we do admire.
Huzaifa: Any woman in your life?
Titus: yeah, I have a fiancé called Ruth Bashemeire and we are in preparations for official introduction.
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Huzaifa: How often do you shower?
Titus: I think I should be an example of health sports persons because I bath every after training and I train almost twice a day plus washing my attires.
Huzaifa: Whats your favourite dish?
Titus: I prefer Matooke, kalo, fried beef, “kitaama,” and “kinoono”
Huzaifa: what Is your appeal to the government?
Titus: I would like to appeal to the government to prioritize sports activities, considering all sports activities not only a few like football, to come up and recognize kick boxers.
Huzaifa: What are you doing currently?
Titus: Am training hard to keep fit at Buziga country resort, Munyonyo resort and at Auto Spa. Am also a coaching Karate, kickboxing and teakwondo at Kampala university.
Huzaifa: Are you still serving in the army?
Titus: Yeah, much as am in kick-boxing. I represent UPDF in the sports department.
Huzaifa: Titus, Do you take any drugs?
Titus: Never, I have never and will never take any intoxicants; be it cigarette or anything. In fact me I don’t even take sodas because I love what I do.
Huzaifa: What’s you relationship with Brian white of recent..? Are you also among the podium members?
Titus: Haha. Many people want to know that. But basically Brian is a very helpful person with a helping heart. He is sponsoring me nowadays in my trips, trainings and upkeeps. He is my fellow youth but vision oriented and willing to take me up to a certain level.
Titus: How do you rate yourself so far?
Huzaifa: Am working so hard though some people may not be in support with what am doing but I still remain number one.
