With the game of Cricket yet to gain ground in the Districts of Nebbi and Kapchwora, National Female Youth Member of Parliament Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro says that the stake holders should lay blue prints for the game to sprout in the said districts.
Nyamutoro who hails from the West Nile district of Nebbi says that cricket should be developed in her area as well Kapchwora, which (alongside other neighboring Sebei Region districts) has produced top athletes (specifically runners) for Uganda.
“I would love to see this beautiful game played in Nebbi and Kapchwora because we can get natural athletes from those places,” said the beautiful legislator during the International Day For People With Disabilities (IDPD) celebrations held last week at Lugogo Cricket Ground.
“This game has recently been making positive strides on the international scene. If it is taught to many others, we will be able to assemble stronger national teams and forthwith nurture global stars,” she added.
Nyamutoro who’s from the ruling NRM party notes that sports has no political alignments involved and is a key unifying factor. She also pledges to spearhead the struggle to ensure cricket is funded like other sports and that the PWDs are also well-facilitated.
At Lugogo, Nyamutoro was among others flanked by Kampala Lord Councillor Allan Mwesige who all watched on in disbelief and immediately caught the bug as the People With Disabilities (PWDs) took to the oval and displayed silky cricket skills.
And soon after getting their souvenir national jerseys from Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) CEO Martin Ondeko, the two guests took some quick lessons and showed off their perfect swings with some hits to the applause of the PWDs, Victoria Pearls players, Cricket Cranes stars, Members of the Fourth Estate and fraternity members that were in attendance.
“Look at the skills you have exhibited here. You are very talented. I urge you to continue working on your skills to improve and become good players. I know UCA is planning many things for you and we shall support from our side as we always do in whichever way we can at the appropriate time,” said Mwesige after going through a few basic drills.
Mini competitions were also held on the same day and almost everyone who was around got involved.
Team Beasts, who were captained by Player of the Day; Ali Waqar, who scored 34 runs off 14 balls and picked 2 wickets, took the match honours with a 9-wicket win.
Team Aces lost the toss and were asked to bat first; managing 51 runs in 10 overs. The Beasts were in ruthless form as they breezed down the victory line inside just 6 overs.
The epic highlight and climax of the day was provided by the Media XI, who basked in glory as they shared the spoils with a star-studded select PWDs.
Captain Ramathan Kakooza’s Media XI set 62 runs in the allotted 8 overs.
And despite coach Barbara Mukankusi’s PWDS needing 13 runs to win from 3 overs at one stage, Media XI fought back to deny them the victory thanks to a gallant team effort from the journos.
The PWDs XI also ended on 62 runs after 8 overs and despite the draw it was all about merry-making as the teams cut cake and celebrated the big day played under the theme; “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post Covid-19 world.”
