Silver Jubilee of Greatness
Twenty-five years after Uganda's memorable 2001 ICC Trophy campaign in Canada, the players and officials who made history have followed extraordinary journeys across cricket, business, education, medicine, technology and public service. This special feature revisits the lives, careers and enduring legacy of the pioneers who laid the foundation for modern Ugandan cricket.
Having dominated the East African region, Uganda looked to spread its wings and show the cricketing world how much of the gentleman’s game knowledge they had grasped.
And oh boy, they did it in grandeur. Toronto, Ontario. 2001.
A debut International Cricket Council (ICC) Trophy campaign that began with Uganda ranked 23rd out of 24 teams ended not with apology – but with authority. Not with survival – but with statement performances that reshaped perception.
They defeated Ireland in warm-ups. They stunned Malaysia in one of the most explosive batting recoveries in ICC Trophy history. They dismantled Argentina. They controlled France under DLS pressure. And they finished in a respectable 10th position to earn their deserved respect.
But the scoreboard is only the surface. The real story lies in what happened next. Because the men who created that miracle did not disappear. They dispersed across continents, careers, families, boardrooms, classrooms, construction sites, coaching benches—and in some cases, history itself.
This is their story. Properly told.
Calm Commander: Leadership was never about loud words for John Lubia. His calm authority steadied Uganda’s historic campaign in Canada, and today that same composed mind safeguards digital systems as a cybersecurity consultant in the United States.
JOHN LUBIA (CAPTAIN) — THE CALM AUTHORITY THAT HELD THE TEAM TOGETHER
Lubia’s 2001 campaign was not defined by flamboyance – but by stability.
In a team capable of collapsing and exploding in the same afternoon, Lubia provided structure. His unbeaten 76 against UAE in the playoff round remains one of Uganda’s most important innings—an anchor performance when others faltered.
He finished the tournament with 125 runs, but his real value was invisible in numbers: field placements, batting order balance, and emotional control.
Beyond Cricket
Today, Lubia lives in Indiana, USA, working as a Cybersecurity Consultant. A man who once protected Uganda’s innings now protects digital systems.
Trusted Hand: Whether entrusted with a crucial spell in Toronto or complex technology today, Tendo Mbazzi, son to legendary Sam Walusimbi, has always been the dependable man when precision matters most.
TENDO MBAZZI — THE ENGINEER OF CONTROL
Mbazzi’s role in Uganda’s 2001 miracle was understated but vital.
2/16 vs Ireland (match-defining control spell) in the warm-up game that announced Uganda’s arrival on the world stage. And his late-order resistance in collapses cannot be overstated.
A master of tactical bowling discipline throughout the tournament and one who the captains trusted when games looked like they were drifting.
Beyond Cricket
Now an IT specialist with Bank of Uganda, Mbazzi represents the modern professional cricketer’s evolution—analytical, structured, and globally adaptable. He is in-between countries as he temporarily moved to Canada last November.
Century Hero: Fifty-four balls changed Uganda’s cricket story forever. Kenneth Kamyuka’s unforgettable century against Malaysia still stands as one of the most destructive and inspirational innings the Cricket Cranes have ever produced.
KENNETH KAMYUKA — THE 54-BALL DEFIANCE
If Uganda’s 2001 story had a defining image, it is Kamyuka walking in at 99/8 against Malaysia.
What followed; 100 not out off 54 balls (8 sixes & 4 fours)
Match turned from collapse to dominance. And it without doubt remains one of Uganda’s most destructive innings ever played.
He also contributed; 146 tournament runs & 6 wickets. And no one will ever forget those key lower-order partnerships with Richard Mwami.
Beyond Cricket
Now based in Toronto, Kamyuka balances ride-share gig business (Lift, Hovr, Uber & Hopp) and family life with his children; six-year-old son Aleksander Sawicki Kamyuka and four-year-old daughter Zuzia Sawicki Kamyuka. The transition from global cricket stage to everyday survival reflects the often-unseen post-career reality of sport.
Complete Champion: Runs, wickets and match-winning performances made Junior Kwebiiha Uganda’s complete package in Canada. Today, the same leadership qualities help shape boardrooms and businesses beyond the boundary.
ZERUBABEL JUNIOR KWEBIIHA — THE COMPLETE CRICKETER
Few players defined matches like Kwebiiha.
Numbers That Matter; 109 vs Argentina*, 5/22 + 39 vs East & Central Africa*, 11 wickets overall & 156 runs. He was Uganda’s most complete performer in Toronto. Also rated as one of the best Cricket Cranes captains ever.
Beyond Cricket
Today, he’s a Board member at Ecobank Uganda, Entrepreneur at Reclaim – Circular Economy. He has previously worked with MTN Uganda, EzeeMoney, The United Nations Capital Development Fund in Zambia, and Fenix International.
He moved from controlling games to controlling systems.
Born To Win: The man who calmly stood beside Kamyuka during cricket’s greatest rescue mission has continued building partnerships long after retirement—from cricket governance to digital finance.
RICHARD MWAMI — THE PARTNERSHIP BUILDER
Mwami’s most iconic contribution will forever be linked to the 124-run partnership with Kamyuka vs Malaysia when he kept the robust 18-year-old in check throughout the historic knock. Earlier, there was also a calm 23 in the warm-up win Ireland recovery innings. A tactical vice-captaincy throughout tournament. He was, indeed, Uganda’s stabiliser in chaos.
Beyond Cricket
Former Uganda Cricket Association chairman (2012–2017), now a digital financial services modern consultant. He’s built governance after building partnerships.
JOEL OLWENY — THE SILENT MATCH WINNER
His numbers say just half of his potential. 133 runs total including a match controlling innings of 59 against East & Central Africa. Olweny rarely dominated headlines, but frequently decided tempo with both bat, ball and wicket-keeping gloves) whenever need arose.
Beyond Cricket
Moved to Canada in 2009 and Now a construction supervisor in Canada, still playing club cricket for Redemption CC in Etobicoke and TDCA circuits. A master of building both innings and infrastructure.
CHARLES LWANGA (RIP) — THE ANCHOR AT THE TOP
Lwanga’s patients knocks amounting to 191 tournament runs including the half ton of 58 against Argentina ensured he was Uganda’s top scorer. He had a multiple stabilising innings under pressure. He was Uganda’s foundation at the top order.
Beyond Cricket
Coached Uganda’s 19 side to regional success against Kenya in 2002. Unfortunately, he was beaten to pulp by iron-bar wielding goons on the fateful night of November 2, 2010 as he trudged back home from Kayembe village, off Gayaza Road. He rests in Nabusanke, along Masaka Road.
Living Bridge: Four decades. One badge. Frank ‘Franco’ Nsubuga continues connecting Uganda’s cricket past, present and future better than anyone who has ever worn the national colours.
FRANK ‘FRANCO BARESI’ NSUBUGA — THE THREAD ACROSS GENERATIONS
A total of 85 runs & 10 wickets including economical spells against France, Israel, East & Central Africa, Franco real bright glimpses for what was to come. Even in 2001, Nsubuga showed what would become his career trademark: control under pressure.
The last man standing of Ugandan cricket’s golden generation. Having made his senior debut in 1994, the veteran off-spinner has represented Uganda across four different decades—the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and 2020s – an achievement unmatched in Ugandan cricket.
This culminated into his 2024 T20 World Cup participation.
Beyond Cricket
Recently, Franco relocated to Canada, where he has continued his cricket journey in the competitive Toronto league system. He currently features for Centurions Cricket Club in the TDCA Elite Division—the second tier below the Super 9 level. In addition to his Elite Division commitments, Nsubuga also plays in a minor league in Etobicoke for Redemption Cricket Club.
Nsubuga remains one of Uganda cricket’s greatest servants, with a legacy that continues to grow even in the twilight of his playing years. He is Uganda cricket’s living bridge.
Leading Standard: Discipline defined Richard Okia as a teenage fast bowler in Canada. Today, it defines his leadership in shaping Uganda’s next generation of elite cricketers as Head of High Performance & Pathways.
RICHARD GIDEON OKIA — THE DISCIPLINE THAT SET THE TONE
Richard Gideon Okia was only 17 when he stepped into the ICC Trophy in Toronto, but he bowled like a man entrusted with a senior role in Uganda’s attack. Leading the new-ball charge, he delivered one of the most economical spells of the tournament; 8 wickets overall, Economy Rate: 2.62 and among the top five most economical bowlers in the competition.
Over 51 overs, Okia built pressure through accuracy and discipline, striking early in innings and forcing batters into mistakes rather than beating them with excess pace. He played with unusual composure, showing early signs of the leadership mindset that would define his later career.
Beyond Cricket
After a 15-year playing career, Okia has since transitioned into leadership and governance, now serving as Head of High Performance at Cricket Uganda.
He is also an anti-corruption specialist, business executive and governance professional, working in systems where precision still matters—just off the field.
From controlling new-ball spells in Toronto to shaping Uganda’s future cricketers, his journey has remained defined by one trait: discipline without compromise.
Solid & Reliable: When pressure mounted, Benzo answered. On today’s playing fields, football pitches and in business, his versatility continues to tell the story of an athlete who never stopped competing.
BENJAMIN ‘BENZO’ MUSOKE — THE UTILITY WARRIOR
Benzo’s statistics only tell part of the story. 58 runs (including an invaluable 49 vs France under collapse pressure after Uganda had stumbled to 59/5. He was also a sharp fielder, highlighted by a direct-hit run-out of East & Central Africa captain Viru Kamania.
Musoke was quietly effective and delivered when Uganda most needed stability.
Beyond Cricket
One of Uganda’s finest all-round sportsmen, Musoke is now managing Blink Logistics – a clearing and forwarding company and playing corporate football for KCCA Oldies and C Club. Also once in a while turns out for Tornado CC.
Sport has really never left Benzo – it diversified.
Man Of All Seasons: From representing Uganda in Toronto to leading major commercial projects in the Middle East, Simon ‘Zungu’ Nsubuga has embraced every challenge with the same ambition that defined his cricket career.
SIMON ‘ZUNGU’ NSUBUGA — THE GLOBAL ATHLETE
A reliable squad player who contributed whenever called upon. Called upon mainly against France and Israel, Zungu contributed useful middle-order runs (22 against France) and chipped in with an important wicket. He later enjoyed a six-year semi-professional stint in UK (2003-2008) playing for Long Ashton CC in Bristol.
Beyond Cricket
Nsubuga has built an international professional and currently serves as a Senior Commercial Director with ROSHN Group, a leading real estate developer based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He previously held senior roles in cost consultancy and contracts management in the Middle East, including work in Qatar. Zungu has embraced a highly active lifestyle centered on golf, kitesurfing, and fitness.
HENRY OKECHO — PLAYER, CAPTAIN, BUILDER
The former Cricket Cranes captain made the most of limited opportunities. Against Israel, Okecho immediately made an impact by dismissing two batsmen during an economical spell that helped restrict the opposition.
Beyond Cricket
Former UCA (Cricket Uganda) Development Manager, Okecho is now a lecturer at Kyambogo University’s Sports Science Department. He has also expanded into private business, running a crystal engraving enterprise in Kampala.
Safe Hands: Behind the stumps, Lawrence Sematimba quietly served the team before himself. That same selflessness continues through coaching, mentorship and nurturing tomorrow’s wicketkeepers.
LAWRENCE SEMATIMBA — THE DISCIPLINED GLOVESMAN
The man nicknamed ‘Small Lion’ sacrificed personal scores for the team and his batting numbers – 30 tournament runs – did not reflect his true value. His highest score was 16 off 41 against Malaysia. Opening the batting, he often blunted the new ball to allow Uganda’s stroke-makers to build later. Behind the stumps, he was reliable, collecting three catches and a stumping.
Beyond Cricket
The younger brother of legendary Frank Nsubuga boasts a decorated coaching résumé, having previously served as head coach of the Victoria Pearls. He recently got out of the wilderness and made a competitive return to the field, turning out once again for Tornado CC.
He’s seen as a figure who can offer immense value to the system—particularly in wicket-keeping development, mentorship, and tactical coaching.
Born Ready: Reserve wicketkeeper in 2001. Winning youth captain in 2002. Entrepreneur today. Keith Legesi’s journey reminds us that every squad member contributes to history in different ways.
KEITH LEGESI — THE UNDERSTUDY
Keith Legesi was Uganda’s reserve wicketkeeper at the 2001 ICC Trophy and featured behind the stumps against Israel, performing cleanly and without fuss when called upon.
His greater impact came at youth level, where he captained Uganda U-19 and led the ‘Baby Cricket Cranes’ to a landmark win over Kenya in 2002—part of the generation that helped lay the foundation for Uganda’s first U-19 World Cup qualification in 2004.
Beyond Cricket
Legesi previously worked with Stanbic Bank before before transitioning into business, where he managed a construction plant hire venture and later established a construction company operating in Gulu and Amuru. Currently, he is expanding his entrepreneurial footprint into commodities brokerage as well as a growing transport and logistics business.
Global Trailblazer: The reserve who went on to conquer the world. Henry ‘Oski’ Osinde transformed from Uganda prospect into Canadian World Cup star, becoming one of Uganda cricket’s greatest exports.
THE NON – TRAVELLING RESERVES — THE UNSEEN FOUNDATION
HENRY ‘OSKI’ OSINDE — MAN WHO LITERALLY TOOK UGANDA TO THE WORLD
Henry Osinde was part of Uganda’s 2001 ICC Trophy reserves, but his career quickly moved far beyond that moment.
Nicknamed ‘Oski,’ he was one of Uganda’s quickest and most feared fast bowlers before relocating to Canada, where he broke new ground in 2002 as the first African to play in the Toronto & District Cricket Association (TDCA).
His rise was rapid – international debut for Canada came against Uganda in 2005, followed by appearances at the 2007 and 2011 ICC World Cups. At the 2011 tournament, his 4/26 against Kenya earned Player of the Match honours, the best bowling figures by a Canadian in World Cup history.
He retired with 42 ODIs and 11 T20Is, finishing as Canada’s leading ODI wicket-taker with 45 scalps. Later, he also coached the national team and several club sides, before moving into a courier business in Canada.
From reserve squad member to World Cup performer, Osinde became one of Uganda cricket’s greatest global exports.
HENRY KATO — THE LEFT-ARM FORCE THAT HAS NEVER LEFT THE GAME
Nicknamed ‘Rasta,’ Henry Kato was one of the most feared left-arm seamers of his generation, known for his short run-up, sharp swing, and aggressive fielding.
Although he missed out on the final 2001 squad, many believed his skillset would have strengthened an already strong Uganda attack.
Today, Kato remains deeply involved in the game as part of the ground-staff at Lugogo Cricket Oval, helping prepare pitches for the next generation. He also features in veterans’ cricket and continues mentoring young players through coaching in cricket and tennis.
Kato remains a constant presence in Ugandan cricket’s heartbeat.
THE OFFICIALS — THE STRUCTURE BEHIND THE MIRACLE
TEAM MANAGER – JUSTINE LIGYALINGI
A stickler for discipline and one of the architects of modern Ugandan cricket, Justine Ligyalingi has seamlessly transitioned from team management into one of the game’s most respected administrators and educators.
After serving UCA (now CU) in several coaching and management capacities including the high level office of CEO for a handful of years, his influence has grown beyond national borders. He currently serves as the ICC Africa Regional Manager, overseeing cricket development across the continent.
An accomplished ICC Level 3 coach, Ligyalingi has received advanced coaching education in India and South Africa, equipping him with the expertise that has helped shape generations of players, coaches and administrators.
His journey from managing Uganda’s historic 2001 ICC Trophy squad to becoming one of Africa’s foremost cricket development leaders stands as a testament to his enduring contribution to the sport.
COACH – ANDREW MEYA
Coach Andrew Meya has served in a variety of coaching and team management roles within cricket, making significant contributions to both the U-19 and Senior Men’s national teams. His experience spans player development, team operations, and leadership.
Outside the sporting arena, Coach Meya is a retired university lecturer and administrator with an accomplished career in Distance Education. His blend of educational leadership, mentorship, and sporting experience continues to enrich his contribution to cricket development and athlete growth.
Healing Hands: Few have served Ugandan cricket as player, doctor and administrator. Dr. Kato Sebbaale continues to embody service wherever the swinging game calls.
TEAM DOCTOR – DR. KATO SEBBAALE
Dr Sebbaale brought a unique blend of cricketing pedigree and medical expertise to Uganda’s historic 2001 ICC Trophy campaign. A former national team batsman in the early 1980s, he remained closely connected to the sport long after his playing days, voluntarily serving as team doctor during one of the most significant chapters in Uganda’s cricket history.
He’s a distinguished gastroenterologist and serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Case Hospital in Kampala, one of the country’s leading private healthcare institutions.
His contribution to Ugandan cricket spans both the field and the treatment room and administration corridors as he’s also a former chairman of Uganda Cricket Association (now Cricket Uganda). He remains passionate about the gentleman’s game but has also taken a liking to the game of golf where he literally wins whenever he wants.
Overall, he’s one of the rare figures to have served the game distinctively in three aspects; sports, medicine and leadership.
UMPIRE – FRANCIS EKALUNGAR (RIP)
Francis Ekalungar travelled with Uganda’s historic 2001 ICC Trophy squad as the team umpire, having earned widespread respect as one of the country’s finest cricket officials.
Before taking up the white coat, he was a dependable player for ACC, where he was admired for his commitment to the game.
Ekalungar remained a passionate servant of Ugandan cricket long after his playing days, contributing to the sport through officiating and mentoring younger enthusiasts.
His life was tragically cut short when he was murdered – burnt to ashes and dumped near well in Kajjansi in January 2018.
Though gone, Ekalungar is fondly remembered for his integrity and quiet dedication.
HEAD OF DELEGATION – ABBEY “AK” LUTAAYA (RIP)
One of the towering figures in Ugandan sport, Abbey “AK” Kits Lutaaya brought a wealth of administrative experience and visionary leadership to Uganda’s historic 2001 ICC Trophy campaign as Head of Delegation.
A former national cricketer, Lutaaya later served as General Secretary and Chairman of the Uganda Cricket Association before becoming General Secretary of the National Council of Sports from 1992 to 2003. His relentless efforts helped Uganda attain ICC Associate Membership in 1998, earning him the prestigious ICC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.
From guiding the team’s off-field operations in Canada to laying the foundations of modern Ugandan cricket, passionate Lutaaya’s legacy remains woven into the fabric of the game’s growth both at home and across the region.
Final Reflection
Uganda’s 2001 ICC Trophy squad did not simply compete but they redefined expectation.
They proved that rankings are mere rough estimates but not destinies. And more importantly, they did something few teams ever achieve; They left behind a legacy that still produces stories 25 years later.
Because miracles are not events. They are afterlives.
HOW THE FAIRYTALE RUN UNFOLDED
June 26, 2001 – WARM-UP MATCH
Uganda 144/10 (41 ov)
Ireland 113/10 (45.5 ov)
Top performers
F. Nsubuga 37 (58)
T. Mbazzi 2/16 (10)
Uganda won by 31 runs
June 29, 2001 – FIRST MATCH
Uganda 223/8 (50 ov)
Malaysia 159/10 (42.3 ov)
Top performers
K. Kamyuka 100 (54)
J. Kwebiiha 1/29 (10)
Uganda won by 64 runs
July 1, 2001 – SECOND MATCH
East & Central 170/10 (40.3/44 ov)
Uganda 173/4 (37.4/44 ov)
Top performers
J. Olweny 59 (84)
J. Kwebiiha 5/22 (8.3)
Uganda won by 6 wickets (with 38 balls remaining)
July 3, 2001 – THIRD MATCH
Uganda 303/5 (50 ov)
Argentina 116 (35.4 ov)
Top performers
J. Kwebiiha 109* (110)
J. Kwebiiha 2/31 (8)
Uganda won by 187 runs
July 4, 2001 – FOURTH MATCH
Uganda 166/10 (39/42 ov)
France 75/9 (42/42 ov)
Top performers
B. Musoke 49 (73)
J. Kwebiiha 3/14 (7)
Uganda won by 187 runs
July 6, 2001 – FIFTH MATCH
Israel 153/9 (50 ov)
Uganda 154/3 (30.4 ov)
Top performers
C. Lwanga 47 (73)
R. Okia 2/18 (9)
Uganda won by 7 wickets (with 116 balls remaining)
PLAYOFF STAGE
July 7, 2001 – SIXTH MATCH
Uganda 154/10 (46.3/50 ov)
UAE 155/5 (41.5/50 ov)
Top performers
J. Lubia 76 (119)
K. Kamyuka 2/25 (10)
UAE won by 5 wickets (with 49 balls remaining)
KEY STATISTICAL PILLARS:
- Kenneth Kamyuka: 146 runs, 6 wickets
- Junior Kwebiiha: 156 runs, 11 wickets
- Frank Nsubuga: 85 runs, 10 wickets
- John Lubia: 125 runs (captain’s backbone)
- Joel Olweny: 133 runs
- Charles Lwanga: 191 runs (top-order anchor)
LINKS TO ALL SCORECARDS
First Match:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-trophy-2001-61178/malaysia-vs-uganda-66801/full-scorecard
Second Match:
Third Match:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-trophy-2001-61178/argentina-vs-uganda-66826/full-scorecard
Fourth Match:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-trophy-2001-61178/france-vs-uganda-66832/full-scorecard
Fifth Match:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-trophy-2001-61178/israel-vs-uganda-66843/full-scorecard
Playoff Match:
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