Uganda’s Cowcorner cricket side returned home from Kigali with more than just a series win: they carried with them a renewed friendship and strengthened sporting ties with Rwanda.
What began as a three-match social tour evolved into a celebration of shared values, community spirit, and the unifying power of cricket between the two neighboring nations.
Speaking on behalf of Cowcorner, interim chairman Allan Ssemakula expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) for their warm reception.
“We are truly thankful to the Rwanda Cricket Association for the camaraderie and for hosting us so warmly. From the moment we arrived, we felt at home,” Ssemakula said.
He also praised Rwanda’s Silverbacks, a social cricket side whose mission closely aligns with Cowcorner’s ethos. Ssemakula highlighted their commitment not only to cricket but also to supporting young players academically through fundraising initiatives.
“They are working-class players like us. They inspire young cricketers, and beyond the pitch they organize fundraisers to help students succeed not only in cricket but also in the classroom. That is something we deeply respect,” he noted.
Inspired by the Silverbacks’ model of playing monthly fixtures, Cowcorner now hopes to introduce regular games and potentially a subscription-based structure for its members back home in Uganda. The Ugandan side also pledged to host the Silverbacks in a return tour soon.
On the Rwandan side, RCA General Manager Emmanuel Byiringiro emphasized the longstanding cricketing relationship between the two countries.
“Uganda has played a big role in the growth of cricket in Rwanda,” Byiringiro said, referencing early contributions by Ugandan coaches who helped establish Rwanda’s coaching structures.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to growing social cricket, noting that teams such as the Silverbacks and Bakambwe continue to visit cricket hubs across Rwanda to inspire young players and showcase opportunities within the sport.
On the field, Cowcorner edged the three-match series 2–0.
In the opening match on February 20, Cowcorner chased down 74 runs in a tense finish, winning by three wickets. Derrick Bakunzi starred with 29 off 28 balls and delivered a disciplined spell with the ball.
The second match proved even more dramatic. Hilary Kuteesa’s composed 50 off 51 balls and Andrew Nyumba’s 32 guided Cowcorner to 136/4. Rwanda responded strongly, with Evode Mutiyimana striking 50 off 41 and Eric Ndangamyambi contributing 36.
Needing 11 runs in the final over, Rwanda fell agonizingly short by three runs.
The final match was abandoned due to heavy rain, but the mood remained celebratory.
“Rain may have stopped play, but it didn’t stop the celebration,” one member joked.
Though the series ended with a scoreboard advantage for Cowcorner, both sides agreed the true victory lay in the strengthened bond between Uganda and Rwanda — a partnership built on sport, friendship, and a shared commitment to growing the game.
