MUKONO – Cricket Uganda officials, alongside a group of alumni, visited Namilyango College to launch a move geared towards restoring the cricketing heritage of the school on Tuesday, 24th March.
The event also set the platform for the official announcement of the appointment of National Team star Fred Achelam as the school’s new Head Coach.
This initiative, driven by a partnership between Cricket Uganda and a dedicated group of alumni (Class of 1995–2000), aims to return the “gentleman’s game” to its rightful place alongside rugby as a cornerstone of the college’s storied athletic program.
Alumni-Led Revival: Education for Responsibility
Namilyango College is celebrating 124 years of excellence. The revival of cricket is viewed as a vital part of the school’s enduring motto: Education for Responsibility.
John Mpande, Chairman of the Cricket Committee at Cricket Uganda and an alumnus (Class of 1995-2000), expressed determination to see the sport thrive once more.
“We played Cricket at Namilyango College during our years. We want to see this game revamped again to be played alongside Rugby and soccer,” Mpande said.
“We, as old students, shall support whenever the need arises. We thank Uganda Cricket for the offer of the coach and the cricket equipment,” he added.
Elite Leadership: The Profile of Fred Achelam
By appointing Fred Achelam, Namilyango College gains a mentor operating at the pinnacle of the sport.
As a mainstay of the Cricket Cranes, Achelam is one of the premier wicketkeeper-batters in the region, bringing elite international standards to the school:
- Wicketkeeping Specialist: A master of the craft with over 35 dismissals (catches and stumpings) across international formats.
- International Pedigree: A veteran with over 50 T20I caps for Uganda, including a vital role in the historic 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign.
- Recent Form: He remains in peak competitive form, having recently featured in the ICC CWC Challenge League B and the 2025 Pearl of Africa T20 Series.
Achelam expressed his enthusiasm for the role while speaking to Kawowo Sports: “I cannot wait to get started (with coaching) the players at Namilyango College. I am very grateful for this opportunity to teach skills to the young lads and above all, instil the love of the game.
“I am ready to train the players, and we unearth the talents from the grassroots with a key objective of growing Cricket at Namilyango College and Uganda at large.”
A Strategic Vision for the Grassroots
During the visit, Cricket Uganda Chairman Jackson Kavuma officially unveiled Achelam to the school community and oversaw the handover of a significant consignment of cricket equipment.
“Cricket Uganda is honoured to visit Namilyango College, one of the traditional schools in Uganda that played Cricket. We yearn to witness the steam and vigour of this game at the College as we grow the sport from the grassroots,” Kavuma remarked.
Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow
Headteacher Constantine Sajjabi Mpuuga lauded the alumni and Cricket Uganda for their support during this milestone anniversary, emphasising the school’s commitment to a well-rounded education.
“Namilyango College is marking 124 years of existence. We are honoured to develop a holistic child that the country desires to have,” Mpuuga told Kawowo Sports.
“Besides Rugby, which is the College’s main sport, there are also other sports that we engage in and encourage the students to be part of.
“Cricket is one of them. We therefore thank Cricket Uganda and the old students (1995 to 2000 class) for revamping the sport. We are glad for the old boys for pushing.”
With the equipment delivered and a National Team star now officially at the helm, cricket will remain a defining part of the Namilyango legacy.