Author: Wycliffe Kirunda

Uganda Cranes put their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guinea at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole on Tuesday evening. A moment of brilliance from Allan Okello was all Uganda needed to claim three crucial points. Coming off a disappointing 3-1 loss to Mozambique, the Cranes needed a response, and they delivered. Right from the start, Uganda showed urgency, dominating possession and creating chances. Left-back Aziz Kayondo was lively, making dangerous runs and whipping in crosses, but Muhammad Shaban and Rogers Mato couldn’t apply the finishing touch. The breakthrough finally came in…

With dreams of a fourth U19 World Cup appearance, the Baby Cricket Cranes are set to take on Africa’s best in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier. The team departs for Nigeria on March 25, fully prepared for the challenge ahead. Uganda has a rich history in youth cricket, having previously played in the U19 World Cup in 2004, 2006, and 2022. Their last appearance in 2022 saw them claim an impressive 13th-place finish after defeating Scotland. Now, they are determined to book another ticket to the global stage. The qualifiers, running from March 28 to April 6,…

Victoria Pearls survived a tense finish to edge Namibia by just one run in a rain-shortened game at the  Women’s Day T20I Series. The victory, which saw them defend a total of 71, keeps them at the top of the table as the tournament heads into the second round. Batting first in a 16-over contest, Uganda struggled to get going. Immaculate Nakisuyi was run out early, marking her second consecutive game without scoring. Janet Mbabazi (19) and Esther Ilukor (21) gave the innings some stability, while Rita Musamali (16) and Malisa Ariokot (7) chipped in late to push Uganda to…

The Victoria Pearls are set to return to international action as they host the Women’s Day Cup from March 7th to 16th at Lakeside Oval in Entebbe. The tournament will feature Namibia, Nepal, and Hong Kong in a T20 format, giving Uganda a valuable opportunity to test their squad ahead of a big year. This series carries high stakes as it has been granted T20I status, meaning Uganda will earn ranking points. The Victoria Pearls will aim to gain points by defeating lower-ranked Nepal and Hong Kong while challenging higher-ranked Namibia for a crucial boost. A key storyline heading into…

Uganda Cricket Association has ushered in a new leadership team following elections held during the Annual General Meeting at Kati Kati Restaurant on Saturday. The event, which brought together representatives from eight cricket clubs, marked a significant transition in the administration of the sport. Jackson Kavuma, who has been serving as the Honorary Secretary, emerged as the new chairman after defeating Tornado’s Fred Lutaya in a closely contested vote.  Out of the 16 votes cast, Kavuma secured 10, earning him the top position in Uganda’s cricket governing body. He takes over from Michael Nuwagaba, who has served as the chairman…

Cricket Cranes are set to head to Hong Kong, China for the second round of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B, scheduled for February 4-16, 2025. After a successful first round at home, where they topped the group with nine points, the team is now focused on consolidating their position as they aim for a spot in the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The team, led by captain Riazat Ali Shah, has made two key changes for this upcoming round. Brian Masaba, the former captain, and Pascal Murungi have been excluded from the squad, making way for newcomers Joseph Baguma…

BUL FC secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Lugazi FC at Najjembe, thanks to Isaac Wagoina’s brace, including a last-minute winner. Wagoina, who had been a surprise starter, gave BUL the lead in the 22nd minute after Lugazi’s Richard Ayiko failed to clear a cross from Ibrahim Orit. Wagoina seized the chance and scored from close range. Lugazi responded in the 37th minute with a free-kick from Abdul Kalanzi that slipped past BUL goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, leveling the score at 1-1. Despite a few more chances from both teams, including a crucial save by Lugazi goalkeeper Fahad Emuran to deny…

Uganda Cranes secured a 1-0 victory over Burundi in the first leg of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers on Thursday, December 26, at Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala. The match saw Police FC forward Isaac Ogwang score the only goal in the 35th minute. Ogwang capitalized on a defensive error by Burundi, calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Dieudonne Ntibahezwa. Uganda dominated the first half with several scoring chances. Captain Allan Okello and Jude Ssemugabi both came close, but Okello’s volley went over the bar, and Ssemugabi’s shot was cleared off the line. Burundi’s defense held strong but struggled…

Soroti: This past weekend, the Soroti Cricket Academy celebrated a remarkable decade of growth and success. Founded in 2014, the academy has overcome numerous challenges, but its impact on the community and the sport of cricket far outweighs the obstacles. The celebration included a special awards dinner, attended by alumni, parents, and members of the cricket community, where top performers of the 2024 season were honored. The academy’s achievements were on full display, with Soroti City Club and Olila Cricket Club shining brightly. Janet Mbabazi (Female) and Peter Ocen (Male) were named Soroti City’s players of the year, while Sarah…

BUL FC had to fight hard to come from a goal down and secure a 1-1 draw against NEC FC at Lugazi Stadium on Wednesday. The match, which was a part of the Uganda Premier League, was a hard-fought battle that saw NEC FC’s hopes of extending their lead at the top of the table fade away. The game started with a bang as NEC FC took the lead in the 37th minute. Striker Cromwell Rwothomio scored a brilliant header from a free kick delivered by Gaddafi Wahab. However, BUL FC didn’t give up. They came back strong in the…