To all who contribute to the game of cricket,
A Year of Gratitude & Reflection
As we come to the close of 2025, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has played a part in what has been an exceptional year for cricket in Uganda.
Governance & Constitutional Alignment
Our mandate started with the responsibility of aligning our constitution with the new sports law; this is still an ongoing process, with an initial application rejected by the sports authority.
We have engaged with the authority about the areas that need refinement, but internally as well, a group from within has complained about the membership criteria of the constitution.
National Team Performances & Competitive Highlights
This year, Uganda’s Men’s and Women’s national teams played 49 T20I matches in different competitions.
Some of the cricket on display has been truly thrilling and a testament to the growth, resilience, and ambition of our players and coaches.
The Victoria Pearls won the Women’s Day Cup we hosted in March, the Victoria Series in October, and the Cricket Cranes won the Pearl of Africa T20 Series in July, after, earlier in February, conquering the Second Leg of the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) World Challenge League B in Hong Kong-China to stay atop the standings.
Lessons from Setbacks & Looking Ahead
We fell short in Zimbabwe at the T20 World Cup Qualifiers for the men, and the ladies failed in Namibia at the Global T20 World Cup Qualifiers.
Our lowest moment was the failure of the U-19 Boys (Baby Cricket Cranes) in Nigeria where they got relegated to the Second Division after finishing fifth.
However, great lessons have been learned, and we look forward to a strong 2026 for all our national teams.
Strategic Planning for the Future
In 2025, Cricket Uganda also undertook a comprehensive review of its strategic direction and, with the support and input of various stakeholders, developed a five-year Strategic Plan for the game of cricket.
This roadmap provides clear direction for growth, governance, high performance, grassroots development, and commercial sustainability, and will guide our collective efforts as we build a stronger and more resilient future for cricket in Uganda.
This report will be shared with the fraternity as soon as the facilitators are done with the details.
Growing the Game Across the Country
As I have travelled across the country, I have been deeply inspired by the dedication, passion, and hard work of administrators, coaches, volunteers, schools, clubs, and communities who are turning this vision into reality.
We are committed to making sure we spread the game; Gulu City and Fort Portal City hosted the girls and boys’ national schools’ championships – each fittingly named Cricket Week since their renaissance – respectively.
We are greatly indebted to the volunteers and development officers in these regions who keep the bat swinging and ball flying.
Commercial Growth & Investment Opportunities
Globally, cricket is changing fast, while change brings both challenge and opportunity. Over the course of the year, Cricket Uganda has worked to attract private investment into our game and the leagues with the aim of strengthening competitiveness, attracting strategic partners, and improving player skillsets for success on the local & international stage.
I have been encouraged by the strong interest received and look forward to seeing these opportunities materialise soon. As the saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats.”
Remembering Those We Lost
It would be impossible to reflect on 2025 without remembering the great personnel we lost, including senior umpire and development officer Baker Elonge Otema, as they were pillars of the game whose service, leadership, and love for cricket left a lasting legacy. We also pay tribute to other greats of the game we lost over the years, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Ugandan cricket. May their memories continue to inspire us.
Honouring Excellence & Service
On the bright side of things, our very own Eng. William Kibukamusoke won the Lifetime Service Achievement Award from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his invaluable contribution to the growth of the game; in terms of coaching, talent scouting, building infrastructure and administration now and then.
Celebrating Club & League Successes
I would also like to extend my congratulations:
In Men’s cricket, congratulations to Kutchi Tigers for winning their second league title. I extend my congratulations to GM Sugar and Mukono Warriors for their promotion to the top flight.
I would also like to salute Ismail Community for winning the UG20 League in their second year of existence.
In Women’s cricket, congratulations to Olila Cricket Club for winning the Lyca T20 League.
A Historic Milestone for Cricket Uganda
One of the most significant milestones in our history was achieved this year: Cricket Uganda acquired land for the future development of its home.
This was once thought unimaginable. I extend special congratulations to the team that made this a reality, Richard Okia and Patrick Makumbi and sincere thanks to the Board, fans, the fourth estate, partners, and the wider cricket fraternity whose support made this achievement possible.
Leadership, Inclusion & Governance
I would also like to extend a special note of appreciation to the Board of Cricket Uganda for putting faith in Evelyn Kabongerwa by extending her tenure as Acting CEO for another year. Evelyn is one of only three female CEOs in World Cricket, and her commitment to the game has given the board the confidence to carry on in a very turbulent time for Cricket Uganda.
This historic decision reflects our shared commitment to progressive governance, inclusion, and excellence.
Evelyn’s appointment marks an important milestone for our organisation and sends a strong signal about the future direction of cricket administration in Uganda.
Appreciation to Our Partners & Supporters
I would like to finally extend my appreciation to our commercial partners Lyca Mobile, Harris International under Sky View, Dream Catchers, for their continued support, our other partners Bat Ball Uganda, Cricket Without Boundaries (CWB), Pepsi, Hisense, BlackLyf, who have all extended support for our events this year.
Our equipment partners Bankstown from Australia for their unrelenting support to us each year, and how much that equipment supports our grassroots programs.
Closing Reflections & Festive Wishes
Thank you all for your unwavering commitment to cricket and for everything you have contributed to the progress we continue to make together.
To everyone who has contributed, thank you. Your commitment continues to shape the future of our game, and I am confident it will carry us forward in the months and years ahead.
I wish you a Merry Christmas to those who are celebrating, and I look forward to working with you all to make 2026 a truly vintage year for our special game.
With my very best wishes,
Jackson Kavuma
Chairman, Cricket Uganda