FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
July 26, 2025 – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has honoured Uganda’s legendary cricket stalwart, Eng. William Kibukamusoke, popularly known as The Great Kabuki, with the prestigious Lifetime Service Award for his unparalleled dedication and selfless commitment to the development and growth of cricket over the past five decades.
The award, inscribed “Uganda Cricket Association – presented to Eng. William Kibukamusoke – in recognition of your outstanding dedication and commitment to the development and growth of cricket,” was picked on his behalf by Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) Chairman Jackson Kavuma and Acting CEO Evelyn Kabongerwa Shinyekwa during the just-concluded ICC Annual Conference in Singapore. Kibukamusoke will receive his award tomorrow at the climax of the Pearl of Africa T20 Series in Entebbe.
“I am excited by this honour from the sport’s world governing body,” said a deeply moved Kibukamusoke, upon learning of the recognition. “It would have been nice to pick it personally. It is really a justifiable reward for the over 45 years that I dedicated to developing the sport. Many of the acts me and my colleagues did were merely voluntary and such recognition brings fulfilment. I hope this reward comes with some sort of prize either cash or in kind like equipment so that we continue to give back to the sport in whichever manner we can. The game continues to grow and this is what all of us worked for many years ago. The efforts have borne fruit.”
Kabuki’s legacy spans generations. From his cricket initiation at Budo Primary School in 1964 to his illustrious playing career for the Cricket Cranes between 1970 and 1991, his impact has been felt in every sphere – be it nurturing talents at Ndejje SS, Kibuli SS, Makerere University, Greenhill Academy, or rebuilding Lugogo Cricket Oval into Uganda’s cherished Home of Cricket. His two sons; Jeremy and Cyrus have represented Uganda at different stages, too!
He was instrumental in founding Tornado CC and later Tornado Bee CC, giving platforms to hundreds of players. His 21-year playing career was capped with representation on Team East Africa in Zimbabwe and Holland. He also served as Team Manager when Uganda won the ICC World Cricket League Division III in Darwin, Australia, in 2007.
At 60, he was still an active league player, exemplifying his famous words:
“When we do these things, we don’t do them looking for achievements, we do them for the love we have for the game. They [today’s players] need to have a passion for the game. It’s not just about being paid to play. They should play to earn the prestige. If you come to cricket looking for money, you will last one season.”
His recognition by the ICC places him alongside fellow Ugandan legends; deceased Abram Kitumba Peter “AK” Lutaaya (2002 Lifetime Achievement Award), Samwiri Walusimbi (2008 Lifetime Service Award), and William Luwagga Kamanyi (2014 Lifetime Service Award) as recipients of cricket’s highest development honours.
As Uganda continues its march on the global stage, it does so standing on the broad, unyielding shoulders of giants like Kabuki – a man whose Tornado winds of service, sacrifice, and mentorship will forever shape the game’s future.
#LycaConnectsCricket