The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has signed a groundbreaking partnership with telecommunications company, Lyca Mobile Uganda, aimed at elevating the sport of cricket to new heights. This development comes ahead of a historic year that has both the Cricket Cranes and Victoria Pearls in major international events.
This collaboration is poised to be a transformative force for cricket in Uganda, with Lyca Mobile’s support expected to have a lasting impact on the sport’s landscape. Together, the partners aspire to usher in a new era marked by unprecedented achievements, sustained growth, and the collective joy that sport brings to communities across the nation.
Lyca Mobile will play a vital role in enhancing the overall skill set and level of Uganda Cricket through provision of funds and access to international coaching experts for both the men and women’s teams. The partnership is valid for five years.
While addressing the press on Monday during the partnership unveiling, Vinaya Choudary Alapat – CEO Lyca Mobile Uganda noted that this could be the beginning of great things between the two parties.
“We are confident that the UCA leadership will help the national cricket teams move forward with success. The commitment of the players can also take the teams to any level and it was wonderful to see what happened last year,” Lyca’s Choudary noted adding that they are happy to partner with Uganda Cricket.
Choudary added that they have access to international coaches for both men and women’s teams and some of them will be helpful to the Ugandan sides. This is backed by the fact that Lyca Mobile whose presence is in 24 countries and five continents are owners of franchises in India and Pakistan leagues. “We are not here as a mere sponsor, we are partnering.”
Jackson Kavuma, the Honorary Secretary for Uganda Cricket said that Lyca Mobile’s commitment to UCA and the national teams tells more about their (Lyca) global presence in the sports scene.
“Lyca has chosen the right partner. The synergies we are going to put in place will take cricket to the right direction,” Kavuma who was flanked by Tinka Mbabazi – UCA Board Women’s Representative said adding that they are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Lyca.
Hon. Peter Ogwang – State Minister For Sports noted that; “this is a special day…it’s good to see the private sector come and support cricket. The partnership has come at a moment when cricket has been gazetted as a priority sport so this will enhance advocacy for the promotion of cricket in the country.”
Hon. Okello Oryem – State Minister For Foreign Affairs who revealed that he’s been using Lyca since his days in London told the press that he wasn’t at the event by accident because he is not new to the sport. He added that the partnership between the two parties is a good one because the duo (Lyca and Uganda Cricket) are like minded bodies because of their achievements in the recent past.
Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo – State Minister For ICT was another top official at the press briefing. She lauded Lyca for considering the women’s team too in their partnership package.
Cricket Uganda now looks forward to consolidating their achievements attained last year. Cricket Cranes in 2023 attained the historical qualification to the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Cricket Cranes were also able to defend the Africa Cup for the second time in a row in South Africa. The Victoria Pearls (women’s team) qualified for the Global T20 World Cup Qualifiers.
With Uganda Cricket being one of the most successful in the continent, this partnership is expected to help Uganda continue to dominate the sport and further elevate its cricketing prowess on the international stage.
