Family Pillars. Kaamu poses with his beloved family at Lugogo Oval on the day he was honoured. Their presence meant the world to him, a reminder of their unwavering love and supportive nature throughout his journey. PHOTO/COURTESY
The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA), alongside members of the wider cricket fraternity, paid glowing tribute to Engineer Joseph “Joe” Kaamu on Saturday, April 12 at Lugogo Cricket Oval, honouring a man whose life and legacy have shaped the game for over five decades.
The day featured a symbolic veterans’ match - fondly dubbed the “Abagurusi Cricket Match” -bringing together old friends, former teammates, protégés, and admirers. Although rain shortened the game from 20 to 5 overs per side, the moment was not lost. Team Joe batted first and posted 43 runs, a target that Team Kaamu chased down with nine wickets in hand, underscoring the light-hearted yet meaningful nature of the gathering.
Legacy Honoured. Engineer Joseph "Joe" Kaamu (L) receives a commemorative plaque from former Uganda Cricket Association trustee Steven Luswata Lugemwa, marking over five decades of service and impact in Ugandan cricket—from national team stalwart to mentor of future generations. PHOTO/COURTESY
Humble background
Born on July 6, 1950, in Mbarara to Alfred and Hilda Mutashwera, Joe Kaamu’s love affair with cricket began early. Inspired by his father, a respected official in the Ankole Kingdom, Joe took to the game using improvised kit - tins and planks - setting a foundation for a celebrated career.
His talent was nurtured at Ntare School under Coach Valeriano Rwaheru, and by 1968, he was not only the school captain but also a national team player, sharing the pitch with Ugandan cricket icons like Sam Walusimbi and William Kamanyi. That same year, he featured in a national schools match against a visiting London XI, which included future England captain Graham Gooch.
Joe's cricketing journey extended through Makerere University, into the East African XI, and the Uganda national team in the post-1972 era. After a professional stint in Kenya with Wanderers Club up to 1988, he returned to Uganda and turned out for Nile Cricket Club until his retirement in 1995.
Fitting Tribute For A Living Legend. Joe Kaamu walks through a guard of honour formed by fellow cricketers and veterans at Lugogo Cricket Oval, moments before the symbolic match was reduced to five overs a side due to persistent rains—but not even the weather could dampen the spirit of the celebration. PHOTO/COURTESY
Lasting imprint
Beyond playing, Kaamu became a passionate coach and mentor. At Ntare School, he helped groom future stars including Davis Arinaitwe Karashani and Arthur Nuwagaba, leaving a lasting imprint on Uganda’s cricketing future.
Today, Joe enjoys a peaceful retirement in rural Mbarara with his wife Jolly. Speaking at the event, he reflected on his journey:“If I had another life, I’d perfect my onside shots watching Rahul Dravid, Desmond Haynes, and Jawahir Shah.” Though the celebration clashed with the Ntare League final—affecting attendance—the event remained intimate and sincere. Legendary cricketer Sam Walusimbi, Joe’s former teammate, aptly summed up the sentiment of the day: “Joe was hardworking, humble, and a joy to play with. I’m grateful we’ve honoured his legacy while he’s still with us.”
Joe Kaamu is saluted not just for what he did on the pitch, but for what he inspired beyond it.
#LycaConnectsCricket
