Story of viral inter-gender Soft Ground Wrestling changing Ugandan's lives

What began as a muddy passion project on the outskirts of the sleepy Mukono town of Uganda has now exploded into a global internet sensation.

Soft Ground Wrestling (SGW), a raw, inter-gender sport where wrestlers grapple barefoot in thick clay under the open sky, has racked up over 500 million views across TikTok, Instagram, X, Facebook and YouTube.

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But behind the viral videos lies a story of struggle, resilience, and a dream powered by hope.

There are no ropes or flashy lights here. Instead, bamboo sticks and faded yellow lines sketch out the wrestling "ring," and Uganda’s red earth serves as both the battleground and cushion.

Here, the wrestlers’ hunger for something better is visible in every spin.

“We did not have the money to buy a real wrestling ring. So, we improvised using bamboo from the forest nearby. Instead of canvas, we use natural clay and mud to soften the impact. That’s what makes us unique,” Daniel Bumba, the visionary behind SGW, told BBC Africa Sports.

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Bumba is known to the fighters as Papa. He works as a local TV host and his passion for the game has seen him invest nearly all of his income into SGW.

Bumbash, as he is known to others, covers food, housing, and training costs for more than 100 wrestlers, all aged 25 and under.

Most come from difficult backgrounds, raised by single parents or orphaned, with no other opportunity in sight, but wrestling.

One of SGW’s brightest stars is Lamono Evelyn, a 20-year-old from Northern Uganda who wrestles under the stage name Zampi.

Zampi lost her father as a baby, and she was later forced to drop out of school. The aftermath was struggling with anger and frustration until wrestling changed everything.

“Before SGW, I had anger issues. I was arrogant. Wrestling helped me control my anger. Now it’s my entire life. It has changed me mentally and physically,” she confessed.

Her story mirrors many others like Jordan Loverine, who found, in SGW, a second chance after dropping out of school.

“I was almost giving up in life. But SGW gave me hope, a new family, and dreams to become a great wrestler and help others,” he said.

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While the wrestlers are becoming social media celebrities, the reality off-camera is harsh.

They train under the scorching sun and pouring rain, sleep in cramped rented dorms, and cook simple porridge meals in makeshift outdoor kitchens.

Despite the popularity, they earn nothing. The entire organization runs on donations and Bumbash’s sacrifice.

“Most of my salary goes to these young fighters. I do not even save anything. They call me Papa. I feed them, house them, and keep them close,” he said.

Safety also remains a critical concern. Although SGW matches are scripted and choreographed much like professional wrestling abroad, the muddy terrain and lack of medical support can turn stunts into serious injuries.

“It is not unusual to see a career-ending injury at least once a month. We try to respond quickly, but it’s tough without proper equipment,” Bumbash admitted.

They are currently raising funds to buy the very land they train on, and $40,000 (approximately Ksh5.2 million) stands between them and eviction.

The world is watching, and some are responding. WWE superstar Cody Rhodes recently donated a professional wrestling ring to the group, finally giving SGW a taste of the big leagues.

Wrestling giants from WWE and AEW have also reached out.