In a moment that underscores two decades of unwavering friendship and cricket diplomacy, the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has received a significant consignment of cricket equipment from its long-time partners, Bankstown District Cricket Club (BDCC) of New South Wales, Australia.
The delivery, a treasure trove of cricketing essentials, includes a turf roller, wicket covers, t-shirts, balls, bats, pads, gloves, thigh guards, abdominal guards, helmets and coaching literature.
But beyond its physical value, the shipment speaks volumes about a partnership that has stood the test of time and geography.
“This donation is a reminder of how far we’ve come and what strong, lasting partnerships can achieve,” said UCA Chairman Jackson Kavuma, reflecting on the symbolic and practical value of the consignment.
“We are deeply thankful to Bankstown District CC for walking this journey with us for 20 years and counting. Special praise is reserved for Bankstown Chairman John Murray, who donated a roller.
The impact of this latest shipment will be felt not just in the immediate season, but in shaping the game’s future.”
The roots of this enduring bond trace back to 2004 during Uganda’s debut appearance at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
It was there that a chance encounter between Ugandan officials and Brian Freedman then a senior administrator with Cricket New South Wales and Cricket Australia, sowed the seeds of what would become a flourishing alliance.
By 2005, the partnership had taken form, characterized by a spirit of generosity, knowledge exchange, and a shared vision for cricket development.
Since then, BDCC has made regular donations to UCA, continually bolstering efforts to grow the game at the grassroots level in Uganda.
UCA CEO Evelyn Kabongerwa Shinyekwa, who led the operational coordination of the shipment, emphasized the broader impact of the donation.
“The equipment will not only enhance grassroots-level playing experience but also provide valuable training opportunities to various stakeholders,” she said.
“We greatly appreciate Bankstown for their continued commitment to supporting the growth of cricket in Uganda. We’re confident that this donation will significantly move cricket development forward.”
Carefully coordinated through ongoing communication with BDCC Honorary Secretary Martin Klumpp, the arrival of this container is more than a logistical success, it’s a reaffirmation of UCA’s mission to uplift the sport through strategic partnerships and community-driven initiatives.
With cricket’s popularity steadily growing across Uganda, the equipment will be dispatched to various development programs countrywide, impacting players, coaches and officials alike.
It’s a vital boost for a sport on the rise, fueled not just by ambition, but by the kindness of distant friends who have long believed in Uganda’s cricketing dreams.
