Cricket Uganda has honoured Owek. Dr. Rajni Tailor for his remarkable 61-year contribution to Uganda’s sporting and community development, celebrating a legacy built on leadership, integrity and dedication to national institutions.
The tribute ceremony, held at the historic Lugogo Cricket Oval, brought together cricket stakeholders, family members, community leaders and members of Kisementi Jazz to recognise one of the most influential figures in Uganda’s sporting history.
Dr Tailor was accorded a guard of honour by members of the cricket fraternity, with bats raised in appreciation of his decades of service and commitment to the growth of cricket in Uganda.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr Tailor traced his involvement in community service back to 1965, when he began working in Kampala. He recalled returning to Uganda in 1980 during a difficult period in the country’s history, when challenges including curfews, shortages and poor infrastructure affected everyday life.
“During the 80s, 3:00 PM was a curfew. The soda was not there, water was the issue, electricity was the issue, and Kampala was full of potholes. So the history started from there,” Dr Tailor said.
During that era, he worked alongside respected Ugandans, including the late Kafumbe Mukasa, Abbey Lutaaya and John Nagenda, to rebuild sporting and cultural institutions.
His efforts contributed to the revival of the Uganda Cricket Association, Uganda Motor Club, the Indian Association and many other organisations where he served in leadership and trustee positions.
Although Dr Tailor revealed that his own sporting background was in volleyball rather than cricket, he said his passion for sports administration had always been strong.
“I never played any game except volleyball, but the sport is in my heart. It continues, and it will continue,” he said.
As Treasurer of the Uganda Cricket Association, Dr Tailor became known for his financial discipline and careful stewardship. His expertise later earned him senior appointments, including roles as Chairman of Finance Committees for the National Council of Sports and Mandela National Stadium.
Through Priamit Enterprises, which he co-founded with late cricket figure Kishor Pabari, Dr Tailor also supported Ugandan sport by helping provide important equipment during times of shortage.
During the celebration, Dr Tailor called on sports leaders and stakeholders to protect Uganda’s sporting heritage, particularly the Lugogo Cricket Oval, which he described as an important part of the country’s history.
“Uganda Sports Union, where we stand this evening, belongs to us,” he said, expressing hope that future generations would continue benefiting from the facility.
He also urged cricket administrators to expand the game to schools across the country and encouraged corporate organisations to support the sport through sponsorship and partnerships.
“Come and help us in sponsoring this game… to see that the game continues and it remains alive,” he appealed.
Dr Tailor’s son, Rishi Tailor, paid tribute to his father’s lifelong connection with Uganda, recalling his decision to return to the country and help rebuild sporting and business institutions.
He remembered the vibrant atmosphere at Lugogo during earlier decades, when large crowds gathered to watch cricket, and expressed hope that the game would regain that level of popularity among young Ugandans.
Elly Kibuuka Mukasa, a member of Kisementi Jazz and a cricket enthusiast, praised Dr Tailor’s contribution, saying his reputation and achievements made it easy for people to support the celebration.
“When you mention the name and say we need help, it is very easy for everyone to come in because his actions speak for themselves,” Mukasa said.
The ceremony concluded with Cricket Uganda presenting Dr Rajni Tailor with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cricket and Ugandan sport.
