Itanda Kayakers clinch Waterfalls Men’s Elite title with commanding final victory

‎The Itanda Kayakers delivered a composed and clinical performance to defeat the Bujjagali Rafters by five wickets and clinch the Waterfalls Men’s Elite League title at the Lugogo Cricket Oval.
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‎In a final that lived up to expectations, the Kayakers successfully chased down a competitive target of 172, sealing victory with 13 balls to spare and sparking jubilant celebrations among players and supporters.
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‎Bujjagali Rafters, after winning the toss, opted to bat first and posted a strong 171 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings was built on a blend of early aggression and steady middle-order contributions.
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‎Fahad Mutagana set the tone early with a quickfire 17 off 10 balls, while Robinson Obuya added stability with 33 off 28 deliveries. Gerald Olipa then anchored the innings with a fluent 54 off 35 balls, striking five boundaries and three sixes to keep the scoreboard ticking during the middle overs.
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‎Additional contributions from Calvin Watuwa (19) and Joseph Baguma (17 off 8 balls) provided momentum, while late cameos from Fred Achelam (10 not out) and Dan Keith Amani (9 not out) pushed the Rafters past the 170-run mark.
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‎For the Kayakers, Kenneth Ogenrwot led the bowling effort with impressive figures of 3 for 29, while Pius Oloka and Siraje Nsubuga each picked up a wicket.
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‎In reply, the Kayakers overcame an early setback after losing Patel Devansh for a duck, before Simon Ssesazi took control with a superb unbeaten 76 off 52 balls. Ssesazi displayed remarkable composure under pressure, rotating the strike efficiently and capitalising on loose deliveries.
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‎He was well supported by Anas Baig, who struck a brisk 41 off 26 balls, and captain Christopher Kidega, who added a crucial 19 off 13 deliveries to keep the chase firmly on track.
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‎Although the Rafters made occasional breakthroughs through Kasaija Enock, Dan Keith Amani, Joseph Baguma, and Sowobi Yunus, they could not halt the Kayakers’ momentum. Ssesazi remained unbeaten as Itanda reached 172 for 5 in 17.5 overs to secure the title. His match-winning performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade.
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‎The victory marked a sweet turnaround for the Kayakers, who had suffered two defeats to Bujjagali Rafters during the group stages but delivered when it mattered most. The triumph also completed a memorable double for Itanda, with their women’s team also emerging champions in their respective competition.
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‎Cricket Uganda Head of High Performance Richard Okia praised the tournament’s role in talent development, describing the five-day competition as a key platform for identifying players ahead of upcoming regional Under-19 qualifiers, domestic competitions, and international tours for emerging teams.
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‎Meanwhile, individual honours saw Felix Ochan of Karuma Rapids named Promising Player, Robinson Obuya recognised as Best Batter, Joseph Baguma awarded Best Bowler, and Gerald Olipa crowned Most Valuable Player.