What began as a simple cricket tour to Rwanda has grown into something far deeper for Uganda’s Cowcorner side a friendship sealed by sport, shared purpose, and heartfelt hospitality.
Speaking on behalf of Cowcorner, interim chairman Allan Ssemakula could not hide his gratitude.
We are truly thankful to the Rwanda Cricket Association for the camaraderie and for hosting us so warmly,
he said.
From the moment we arrived, we felt at home.
Ssemakula also paid tribute to the Rwandan Silverbacks, a social cricket side whose vision mirrors Cowcorner’s.
They are working-class players like us,
he noted.
They inspire young cricketers, and beyond the pitch they organize fundraisers to help students succeed not only in cricket but also in the classroom.
That is something we deeply respect.
The Silverbacks play once every month, a model Cowcorner now hopes to replicate back in Uganda.
We would love to introduce regular games and even a subscription model for members,
Ssemakula added.
And we look forward to hosting the Silverbacks in Uganda very soon.
As much as we’ve enjoyed Kigali on and off the pitch, we hope to give you the same hospitality when you visit us.
He concluded by thanking Cricket Uganda for its unwavering support throughout the journey.
On the Rwandan side, Rwanda Cricket Association General Manager Emmanuel Byiringiro emphasized the historical ties between the two nations.
Uganda has played a big role in the growth of cricket in Rwanda,
he said.
Coaches like Kamanyi and Ondeko came here in the early days to help start coaching structures.
We are happy that this new generation has chosen to visit us and strengthen that bond.
Byiringiro reaffirmed the association’s commitment to social cricket.
We will continue to support social games.
Teams like the Silverbacks and Bakambwe have visited hubs across Rwanda to motivate players and show them what opportunities lie ahead.
This tour is a great step for the growth of the game.
On the field, Cowcorner edged the three-match tour 2–0.
In the opener on February 20, they chased down 74 runs in a tense finish, winning by three wickets thanks largely to Derrick Bakunzi’s 29 off 28 balls and his tidy bowling spell.
The following morning, Hilary Kuteesa’s composed 50 off 51 balls and Andrew Nyumba’s 32 powered Cowcorner to 136/4.
Rwanda’s Silverbacks responded bravely, with Evode Mutiyimana striking 50 off 41 and Eric Ndangamyambi adding 36.
Needing 11 runs in the final over, Rwanda fell agonizingly short by three runs.
The final match was abandoned due to heavy rain, but spirits were far from dampened.
Rain may have stopped play,
one member joked,
but it didn’t stop the celebration.
All Cowcorner members have since returned safely to Uganda carrying with them not just match results, but memories of a bond that promises to endure.