Uganda’s rising batting star Ronald Lutaaya is making a strong impression at the SuperSport Park International Cricket Academy (SPICA) in Centurion, South Africa.
The 22-year-old left-hander, who joined the program on August 15, has delivered a series of standout performances that underline his growing reputation as one of Uganda’s most exciting batting prospects.
Nicknamed “Big Rolly” by his teammates, Lutaaya has already recorded back-to-back half-centuries, becoming the first batter at SPICA to achieve the feat.
His 94 off 91 balls against North West Academy and 60 off 54 balls against North West Union 1st XI showcased both his composure and attacking instincts. He also contributed 44 runs in SPICA’s record chase of 321 against Gauteng Lions Academy, a one-wicket win that highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
Across six games, the Kyambogo-bred talent has scored 275 runs, with quickfire cameos of 38 and 39 adding weight to his growing reputation as a free-hitting batsman with flair.
Speaking about his time in Centurion, Lutaaya said the experience was already sharpening his game. “We are all working to become more equipped international players and such set-ups help us mature quickly. The experience here will help us become true professionals,” he explained.
The academy has given him access to elite coaching from Richard das Neves, a former Titans head coach, and masterclasses with global icons including Chris Morris, who focused on pressure batting in the death overs, and AB de Villiers, who provided insights on batting against spin and developing innovative strokes.
Cricket Uganda Hon. Secretary Denis Musali praised Lutaaya’s progress, linking it to the association’s broader plans to invest in high-performance pathways.
“In the past, players like Guy Kimbowa, Richard Okia, Lawrence Ssematimba, Frank Nsubuga, Arthur Kyobe, Kenneth Kamyuka, and Patrick Ochan returned from academies in South Africa better prepared and went on to win many caps. Lutaaya’s development confirms why such opportunities are vital for our future,” Musali noted.
The program at SPICA brings together players from South Africa, Nigeria, Japan and Uganda, with Lutaaya proudly flying Uganda’s flag. His stay runs until mid-September, based near the iconic SuperSport Park Stadium.
For Cricket Uganda, his journey reflects more than personal success. It ties into the association’s new High Performance and Pathways framework, introduced last year with support from Cricket South Africa.
According to CU’s Head of High Performance, Richard Okia, initiatives such as school hubs, inter-squad games, and youth camps are already paying dividends. “Lutaaya’s involvement with the Titans set-up means he will return a more refined player with greater awareness,” Okia said.
As the Cricket Cranes prepare for a busy international calendar, Lutaaya’s form in South Africa provides both a boost of confidence and evidence of Uganda’s growing commitment to nurturing top-level talent.
