The Cricket Grannies took centre stage at the ‘Smash It’ Community Festival held on March 28 at Kivubuka Primary School grounds in Jinja, as 56 participants teamed up with 78 grandchildren in an intergenerational showcase of grassroots cricket development.
Organised by the Jinja Cricket Academy with support from Cricket Uganda, the event brought together communities from areas including Kivubuka, Wakalenge and Bufula, highlighting the expanding reach of cricket initiatives in Eastern Uganda. The festival blended competition with community engagement, using simplified and fast-paced formats such as rapid-fire games to keep participants active and involved throughout the day.
The presence of both elderly players and children underlined the programme’s focus on inclusion and mentorship, with the Grannies continuing to play a central role in introducing young boys and girls to the sport while reshaping perceptions around participation.
“We’re thrilled to have wrapped up the Grannies Smash It event at Kivubuka Primary School grounds,” said Cricket Uganda development coach Aaron Kusasira.
“Community festivals with our Cricket Grannies are leading the charge in changing attitudes towards the game of cricket. The energy is unreal as they share their passion with communities like Kivubuka, Wakalenge, Bufula and many more. We’re stoked to see our Grannies inspiring the next generation of cricket stars.”
Beyond participation, the initiative is also building leadership within the group. One of the programme’s graduates, now serving as secretary and known as Nalongo, was among those actively involved, reflecting the structure and continuity being developed off the field.
The festival forms part of a wider outreach programme by the Jinja Cricket Academy aimed at using cricket as a tool for social change, health awareness and community cohesion.
