Uganda’s national cricket team, the Cricket Cranes, are set to embark on a historic tour of India following the launch of a strategic partnership between Cricket Uganda (CU) and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).
The collaboration, which will formally be sealed later this month through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marks a major milestone in Uganda’s cricket development ambitions. The agreement is aimed at strengthening high-performance structures, expanding international playing opportunities, improving coaching and technical expertise, and promoting women’s cricket.
As part of the first phase of the partnership, the Cricket Cranes will travel to Mumbai from May 16 to 31 for their maiden tour of India. Uganda is scheduled to play five 50-over matches and three T20 matches against top opposition in one of the world’s most competitive cricket environments.
Cricket Uganda Chairman Jackson Kavuma described the partnership as a transformative step for the sport in Uganda.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the leadership of ICC Chairman Jay Shah for facilitating this partnership with the Mumbai Cricket Association,” Kavuma said.
“We also thank MCA President Ajinkya Naik for his exceptional support and hospitality, including covering the costs of the initial tour accommodation, match expenses and internal logistics, which has significantly reduced the financial burden on Cricket Uganda.”
MCA President Ajinkya Naik said the agreement demonstrates the association’s commitment to supporting the global growth of cricket.
“We are delighted to engage in discussions with Cricket Uganda on a strategic Memorandum of Understanding which reflects Mumbai Cricket Association’s commitment to contributing to the global growth of cricket,” Naik said.
“As one of the most established cricket ecosystems in India, MCA takes pride in sharing its expertise in player development, high-performance systems, coaching and administration with emerging cricket nations.”
Naik added that the MCA looks forward to hosting the Ugandan side and exposing the players to world-class cricketing facilities and competition.
Cricket Cranes Assistant Coach Jackson Ogwang believes the tour comes at a crucial moment as Uganda prepares for the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B in Tanzania.
“This is a good opportunity for us to play some quality international cricket and test ourselves against some of the best,” Ogwang said.
“It will help us prepare for the Challenge League in Tanzania. We are going to play against strong teams, and it is going to be a tough but valuable challenge in Mumbai.”
The tour squad will be led by returning wicketkeeper-batsman Fred Achelam, who makes his comeback to the national setup alongside Ronald Lutaaya and off-spinner Siraje Nsubuga.
Achelam, who has also been handed the captaincy, expressed excitement about the opportunity.
“It is a very great opportunity to come back into the team,” he said.
“Being selected as captain carries both privilege and responsibility. The coaches want us to play a certain brand of cricket which we must embrace, especially on Indian pitches that turn and swing.”
The tour will also offer exposure to emerging talent, with former Uganda U-19 captain Fahad Mutagana and pace bowler Enock Kasaija receiving their maiden senior national team call-ups.
Mutagana said he is eager to make the most of the opportunity.
“I am honoured to get my first call-up,” he said.
“I have been putting in extra effort and I am looking forward to gaining international exposure and adapting quickly.”
Returning off-spinner Siraje Nsubuga also vowed to make every opportunity count.
“Every chance I get is going to be like a final for me,” Nsubuga said.
“I will put the team before me and work hard for it.”
The 16-man squad also features overseas-based stars Dinesh Nakrani, Raghav Dhawan and Alpesh Ramjani, who are expected to play key roles during the tour.
Cricket Cranes Squad for Mumbai Tour
Fred Achelam (Captain), Simon Ssesazi, Charles Musemeza, Ronald Lutaaya, Gerald Olipa, Anas Baig Mirza, Fahad Mutagana, Juma Miyaji, Cosmas Kyewuta, Joseph Baguma, Henry Ssenyondo, Siraje Nsubuga, Enock Kasaija, Dinesh Nakrani, Raghav Dhawan and Alpesh Ramjani.
Tour Itinerary
May 16 – Arrival in Mumbai
May 18 – 1st 50-over Match
May 20 – 2nd 50-over Match
May 22 – 3rd 50-over Match
May 24 – 4th 50-over Match
May 26 – 5th 50-over Match
May 28 – 1st T20 Match
May 29 – 2nd T20 Match
May 30 – 3rd T20 Match
May 31 – Return to Uganda
