In Mukono, a small town 30 kilometers west of Uganda’s capital, Kampala, a unique phenomenon is captivating global audiences: Soft Ground Wrestling (SGW). Known as “mud wrestling,” this grassroots movement, founded by Daniel Bumba (aka Bumbash) in March 2023, has amassed over 500 million social media views across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Young Ugandans, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, train rigorously in a makeshift ring of bamboo poles and mud, dreaming of international wrestling stardom.
SGW’s rudimentary setup—bamboo poles, yellow ropes, and a clay-mud arena—mimics professional wrestling with theatrical flair. Wrestlers perform chokeslams, powerbombs, and dramatic jumps, cushioned only by the soft mud. Bumbash, a former TV presenter who translated wrestling matches into Luganda, created SGW to fill Uganda’s lack of wrestling infrastructure. The result is a gritty, authentic spectacle that blends sport and theater, drawing fans to weekly “Friday Amazon” events in Mukono’s Kilangila village.
The roster of over 200 trainees, including 30 women, features stars like Lamono Evelyn (Zampi), a 20-year-old who found purpose through wrestling. “Before SGW, I had anger issues,” Zampi shared. “Wrestling changed me mentally and physically.” Female wrestlers like Bridget Nahoba and Nevia Hope Nabwire aim to break gender barriers in the male-dominated sport. Trainees, many of whom are orphans or school dropouts, pay a 100,000-shilling ($26) commitment fee, a significant sum in this farming region, to chase their dreams.
SGW’s viral success has attracted international attention. A professional wrestling organization donated a ring in 2025, while other wrestling groups supported a fundraiser that collected over $10,000. A British YouTuber competed in SGW’s “Mud Mania” event in April 2025, defeating “One-man Army” in a muddy showdown. Despite the professional ring, SGW remains committed to its mud-based identity. “I prefer the mud,” Zampi said.
Challenges persist, however. SGW’s rented training field faces a $40,000 purchase price to secure its future, and Bumbash funds operations with less than $1,000 monthly from monetized videos, supplemented by his TV earnings. Medical concerns linger, with experts warning of spinal injury risks due to the intense moves. Bumbash emphasizes safety, requiring eight months of training to master landing techniques. The Ugandan government initially suspected SGW of anti-government activities, but a 2024 army visit cleared those concerns.
SGW’s rise reflects a broader cultural shift, with social media celebrating its global reach. As SGW plans Sunday shows to meet growing demand, Bumbash envisions a wrestling academy with dormitories and a gym.
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