FINAL DAY RESULT
Bujjagali Rafters vs Itanda Kayakers – Final
Toss: Bujjagali Rafters won the toss and elected to bat
Bujjagali Rafters: 171/6 in 20 overs
Itanda Kayakers: 172/5 in 17.5 overs
Result: Itanda Kayakers won by 5 wickets
Karuma Rapids vs Itanda Kayakers – Last group stage game
Toss: Itanda Kayakers won the toss and elected to bowl
Karuma Rapids: 85 all out in 13 overs
Itanda Kayakers: 86/3 in 11.3 overs
Result: Itanda Kayakers won by 7 wickets
The Waterfalls Men’s Elite League final at Lugogo Cricket Oval more than lived up to its billing, delivering a gripping contest that crowned the Itanda Kayakers champions after a calm and clinical five-wicket victory over the Bujjagali Rafters.
In front of an engaged crowd and under the pressure of a high-stakes finale, the Kayakers demonstrated remarkable composure, clarity, and class, chasing down a competitive total to seal the Waterfalls Men’s Elite Cricket Uganda Series title in style.
After winning the toss, the Rafters elected to bat first, a plan that worked out for them previously against the Rafters and they posted a competitive 171 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Their innings was built on a blend of early aggression and middle-order stability.
Fahad Mutagana set the early tempo with a brisk 17 off just 10 deliveries, while Robinson Obuya provided continuity with a measured 33 from 28 balls.
However, it was Gerald Olipa who rose to the occasion once more.
Anchoring the innings superbly, Gerald struck a fluent 54 off 35 balls, finding the boundary five times and clearing it on three occasions to keep the scoreboard ticking during the crucial middle overs.
Valuable contributions from Calvin Watuwa (19) and Joseph Baguma (17 off 8 balls) added momentum, while late cameos from Fred Achelam (10*) and Dan Keith Amani (9*) pushed the Rafters past the 170 mark.
For the Kayakers, Kenneth Ogenrwot was outstanding with the ball, finishing with figures of 3 for 29, well supported by Pius Oloka and Siraje Nsubuga, who each claimed a wicket.
In response, the Itanda Kayakers approached the chase with confidence, even after losing Patel Devansh for a duck early on.
From there, Simon Ssesazi took control of proceedings with a masterful unbeaten 76 off 52 balls.
Showing remarkable calm in a pressure-filled final, Ssesazi paced his innings to perfection, rotating the strike intelligently and punishing loose deliveries with authority.
He was ably supported by Anas Baig, whose aggressive 41 off 26 balls kept the required rate firmly in check, and captain Christopher Kidega, who chipped in with a vital 19 off 13 balls.
Despite the Rafters striking at intervals through Kasaija Enock, Dan Keith Amani, Joseph Baguma, and Sowobi Yunus, they were unable to halt the Kayakers’ momentum.
Ssesazi remained unbeaten as Itanda cruised to 172 for 5 in just 17.5 overs, sealing victory with 13 balls to spare and igniting jubilant celebrations.
His performance rightly earned him the Player of the Match award.
The triumph was particularly sweet for Itanda, who had lost twice to Bujjagali during the group stages but turned the tables emphatically in the final.
The win also completed a remarkable double, as the Itanda Women’s Elite team emerged champions in their category after overcoming similar early setbacks.
Reflecting on the conclusion of both the men’s and women’s tournaments, Cricket Uganda’s Head of High Performance, Richard Okia, praised the competition’s impact.
He highlighted the five days of intense cricket as a vital platform for talent identification, noting,
“The Elite League provides a clear basis for player selection ahead of upcoming regional Under-19 qualifiers, domestic competitions, and international tours for emerging teams,”
and called it a significant step forward in strengthening Uganda’s cricketing pipeline.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Promising Player– Felix Ochan (Karuma)
Best Batter– Robinson Obuya (Bujjagali)
Best Bowler– Joseph Baguma (Bujjagali)
Most Valuable Player– Gerald Olipa (Bujjagali)