Cricket Uganda’s commitment to capacity building continued to bear fruit as umpires Gloria Obukor and Antony Wantono completed the ICC Level 1 Umpire Tutor Course in Kigali, Rwanda.
Organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in collaboration with the Rwanda Cricket Association, the three-day training program ran from Friday, 31st July to Sunday, 2nd August 2026.
This training and education program was designed to build umpiring capacity among ICC Africa member countries by upskilling the tutors that deliver umpiring courses.
As noted by Justine Ligyalingi, Ag. Regional Development Manager for ICC-Africa, capacity building for member nations in Africa has been a high focus area to increase efficiency in the management of regional cricket programs.
The program, held at Gahanga Cricket Stadium, featured expert instruction from Thomas Mokorosi, ICC Umpire Master Educator for Africa, and trailblazing international umpire Lauren Agenbag.
The practical sessions provided a clear framework for nurturing emerging umpires, aligned with the initiative’s core theme: #GrowingWithEveryStep.
Reflecting on the experience, Gloria Obukor shared:
“Attending this tutor course has been a transformative experience for my career. Learning directly from renowned officials like Lauren Agenbag and Thomas Mokorosi provided invaluable insights into the art of instructing other umpires. The practical sessions at Gahanga Cricket Stadium challenged us to break down complex umpiring scenarios into teachable concepts. I am eager to return home and help elevate the umpiring standards within Cricket Uganda.”
Antony Wantono, who was officially selected from Uganda to attend the course and travelled to Kigali on Thursday, 30th July, also emphasised the importance of the skills acquired:
“The past few days in Rwanda have been exceptional. The structured approach to tutoring taught by the ICC course instructors has given us a clear framework on how to nurture upcoming umpires. Sharing knowledge with peers from different nations, all under the banner of #GROWINGWITHEVERYSTEP, reinforces that the growth of the game is a collective African effort. We are ready to implement these methodologies in our domestic circuit.”
Now back in the country following their trip, Obukor and Wantono bring back enhanced expertise that will be instrumental in expanding Cricket Uganda’s officiating pathways.
Their participation ensures that local umpires are trained to the highest international standards, driving the game forward step by step.