Uganda cricket has taken a major step in its development after Cricket Uganda signed a landmark five-year strategic partnership with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) aimed at strengthening player development, coaching, high-performance structures and international opportunities.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the Dadoji Konddev Stadium in Thane, Maharashtra, during the Cricket Cranes’ ongoing tour of India. The agreement is regarded as one of the most significant international collaborations ever secured by Cricket Uganda and is expected to benefit the country’s men’s, women’s and age-grade programmes.
The partnership comes as Uganda’s senior men’s team is already experiencing its benefits through an exposure tour in Mumbai, where the Cricket Cranes have played four One-Day matches and four T20 fixtures against Mumbai select sides between May 16 and 31. The Mumbai Cricket Association facilitated the team’s travel, accommodation and major logistical requirements during the tour.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, MCA president Ajinkya Naik described the agreement as a partnership that would benefit both sides.
“It is a great opportunity for Mumbai players to play against Uganda. As we prepare for the Mumbai T20 Premier League, playing against an international side is a proud moment for our players. When ICC Chairman Mr Jay Shah requested us, we didn’t hesitate because we believe African cricket is growing strongly.”
Naik said Mumbai remained committed to supporting Ugandan cricket in the years ahead.
“Whenever you need us, please come back. We are ready to help. Your players can come here during your off-season and we can support each other, including through staff exchanges. I hope this partnership grows from strength to strength.”
Cricket Uganda chairman Jackson Kavuma said the agreement was the result of relationships that had been developed over several years and represented a significant moment for the sport in Uganda.
“When I first came here three years ago, it was just a casual relationship. Little did I know it would grow into something this big and something that can take cricket to greater heights.”
“As a Board, we are delighted with this five-year partnership because we believe it will change the mindset of our players and officials, improve our structures and help grow our game. We see this as the beginning of many more opportunities.”
Kavuma revealed that Cricket Uganda hopes to host a Mumbai representative side next year as the two organisations continue to strengthen ties.
“We look forward to welcoming a Mumbai team to Uganda next year and continuing to strengthen these ties.”
Cricket Cranes head coach Steve Tikolo said the exposure gained from competing in India would prove valuable as Uganda prepares for upcoming international assignments.
“It gives us a lot of pleasure to be here in Mumbai and play this type of cricket. I have played here before and I know how challenging it can be. The positives we are taking from this tour will put us in a very good place for the tournaments we have coming up in the next two months.”
Tikolo added that long-term exchanges between the two cricket bodies would help both nations improve.
“This is the kind of partnership that should never stop. Mumbai can come to Uganda and Uganda can come to Mumbai. Through such exchanges, both sides will definitely get to the next level.”
Cricket Uganda’s head of high performance and pathways, Richard Okia, said the organisation intends to ensure the benefits of the partnership reach all levels of the game.
“Our plan is to expose the Under-19s, Under-23s, the senior men’s team and the women’s team. We want to create a holistic environment where every level of our cricket benefits from international exposure.”
Cricket Cranes captain Fred Achelam also welcomed the initiative, saying the experience in India was already helping the players develop.
“As a team, we are really grateful for this opportunity. Win or lose, it is the process that matters. The boys are learning, improving and carrying the momentum forward. We believe this partnership will make us stronger.”
The agreement covers several key areas, including expanding international playing opportunities for Ugandan national teams, strengthening high-performance systems, developing sustainable player pathways, enhancing coaching expertise and growing women’s cricket.
For Cricket Uganda, the five-year partnership represents a significant milestone in its ambition to establish Uganda among the leading Associate cricket nations, with officials hoping the collaboration will create lasting benefits both on and off the field.
