Kampala, May 12. Cricket Uganda (CU) and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) have taken the first major step in a strategic partnership that will formally be sealed later this month through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening cricket development in Uganda.
The partnership is already in motion with the Cricket Cranes set to embark on a historic first-ever tour to Mumbai, India where Uganda will play five 50-over matches and three T20 matches against top opposition from May 16-31.
The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation between Cricket Uganda and one of India’s most established cricket ecosystems, focusing on expanding international playing opportunities, strengthening high-performance structures, developing sustainable player pathways, enhancing technical and coaching expertise and promoting women’s cricket.
Cricket Uganda Chairman Jackson Kavuma hailed the partnership as a major milestone for Ugandan cricket.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the leadership of ICC Chairman Jay Shah for facilitating this partnership with the Mumbai Cricket Association,” Kavuma said.
“We also thank MCA President Ajinkya Naik for his exceptional support and hospitality including covering the costs of the initial tour accommodation, match expenses and internal logistics which has significantly reduced the financial burden on Cricket Uganda.”
Mumbai Cricket Association President Ajinkya Naik said the partnership reflects MCA’s commitment towards growing cricket globally.
“We are delighted to engage in discussions with Cricket Uganda on a strategic Memorandum of Understanding which reflects Mumbai Cricket Association’s commitment to contributing to the global growth of cricket,” Naik said.
“As one of the most established cricket ecosystems in India, MCA takes pride in sharing its expertise in player development, high-performance systems, coaching and administration with emerging cricket nations.”
Naik added: “We look forward to welcoming the Cricket Uganda team to Mumbai in May 2026 and providing them with meaningful exposure through training opportunities, practice matches and interaction with our cricketing infrastructure.”
Cricket Cranes Assistant Coach Jackson Ogwang believes the tour comes at an important time for the national side ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) Challenge League B in Tanzania.
“This is a good opportunity for us to play some good quality international cricket and test ourselves against the best in the world,” Ogwang said.
“It will help us prepare for the Challenge League in Tanzania. We are going to play against good teams and it is going to be a tough but good challenge in Mumbai.”
The tour squad will be captained by returning wicket-keeper/batsman Fred Achelam who makes his comeback to the national team setup alongside Ronald Lutaaya and off-spinner Siraje Nsubuga.
The affable and now more focused Achelam is optimistic as he takes the reins.
“It is a very great opportunity to come back into the team.”
“Being selected as captain carries a privilege and responsibility. The coach wants us to play a certain brand of cricket which we must embrace. We must play all our overs as batters on the Indian tracks because they turn and swing.”
The tour also presents opportunities for fresh faces with former Uganda U-19 captain Fahad Mutagana and pace bowler Enock Kasaija earning maiden senior national team call-ups.
Mutagana, who also recently graduated from being Uganda Emerging skipper to Uganda A side is looking to make the most of his maiden senior summon.
“I am honoured to get my first call-up,” Mutagana said.
“I have been putting in extra effort and I am looking forward to gaining international exposure and adapting quickly.”
Off-spinner Siraje Nsubuga, who returns after time away from the national setup, says he is ready to fight for his place again.
“Every chance I get is going to be like a final for me,” Nsubuga said.
“I will put the team before me and work hard for it.”
The 16-man squad also includes overseas-based players Dinesh Nakrani, Raghav Dhawan and Alpesh Ramjani who are expected to gain valuable exposure in national colours during the India tour.
CRICKET CRANES SQUAD TO MUMBAI
Fred Achelam (Captain), Simon Ssesazi, Charles Musemeza, Ronald Lutaaya, Gerald Olipa, Anas Baig Mirza, Fahad Mutagana, Juma Miyaji, Cosmas Kyewuta, Joseph Baguma, Henry Ssenyondo, Siraje Nsubuga, Enock Kasaija, Dinesh Nakrani, Raghav Dhawan & Alpesh Ramjani
TOUR ITINERARY
May 16 – Arrival in Mumbai
May 18 – 1st 50-over Match
May 20 – 2nd 50-over Match
May 22 – 3rd 50-over Match
May 24 – 4th 50-over Match
May 26 – 5th 50-over Match
May 28 – 1st T20 Match
May 29 – 2nd T20 Match
May 30 – 3rd T20 Match
May 31 – Return to Uganda
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