We hope you enjoyed reading this article for free.

Sahan Journal's news reporting is made possible by the financial support of loyal readers like you who value independent journalism. We don't put our essential journalism behind a paywall. We want to keep it free for everyone, including you. But, as a nonprofit newsroom, we can’t do this critical work without your help. Become a monthly donor today to help us continue to provide award-winning reporting to our diverse communities. Thank you.

$
$
$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Read this article for free.

To continue reading this article and others for free, please sign up for our newsletter.

Processing…
Success! You're on the list.

Category: Sports
Posted inSports

Boxing helped Mohammed Kayongo escape his past as a child soldier in Uganda. Now he wants to give kids in north Minneapolis a fighting chance.

by Mike Mosedale

Kidnapped by a messianic rebel movement at age 11, Kayongo discovered boxing in Ugandan army barracks. But the training he offers kids at the Northside Boxing Club, in Minneapolis, is anything but harsh. The gym provides free food, Black history lessons, and emotional support. As Kayongo puts it, “Most parenting is giving love. And most of our kids need more of that.”