Jinja recently hosted a successful Level One Umpires’ course as Cricket Uganda continues its efforts to raise officiating standards nationwide.
The three-day intensive program trained 20 aspiring umpires, equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills required to manage cricket matches confidently and accurately.
The course, modeled after a similar session held in Kampala a few weeks earlier, combined theoretical lessons with practical assessments. Participants completed written examinations and on-field evaluations, gaining a thorough understanding of the Laws of Cricket, match management, and decision-making under pressure. They were also trained to handle complex scenarios such as weather interruptions and other unforeseen disruptions during games.
Top performers from the Jinja cohort will have the opportunity to advance to ICC Level Two and Level Three courses, opening pathways to potential international umpiring assignments.
The training was conducted under the guidance of Cricket Uganda’s Umpire Manager, Patrick Makumbi Musoke, and tutor John Trust Mayeku, who provided hands-on demonstrations and practical advice.
Speaking during the course, Makumbi emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to professionalize umpiring in Uganda.
“By providing officials with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to perform consistently, the organization is ensuring a stronger and more professional cricketing ecosystem across Uganda,” he said.
The Jinja session marked the second of two Level One courses planned for the year, bringing the total number of trained umpires to 42.
