The International Cricket Council (ICC) has honoured Uganda’s cricket icon Eng. William Kibukamusoke, famously known as The Great Kabuki, with the prestigious Lifetime Service Award, recognizing more than 50 years of passionate service to the game.
The award was announced during the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore and received on his behalf by Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) Chairman Jackson Kavuma and Acting CEO Evelyn Kabongerwa Shinyekwa.
Kabuki will be formally presented with the award during the final of the Pearl of Africa T20 Series in Entebbe this Sunday.
“This is a justifiable reward for over 45 years of voluntary work,” Kabuki said. “I wish I could have picked it up myself. Hopefully, it comes with something useful cash or equipment to keep pushing the game forward.”
Kabuki’s cricket journey began in 1964 at Budo Primary School and blossomed into a celebrated career that saw him play for the national team between 1970 and 1991.
Off the field, he mentored generations at Ndejje SS, Kibuli SS, Makerere University, and Greenhill Academy, and was instrumental in rebuilding Lugogo Cricket Oval now the hub of Ugandan cricket.
He co-founded Tornado CC and Tornado Bee CC, opening doors for countless young players. His highlights include representing Team East Africa in Zimbabwe and Holland, and managing Uganda’s victorious team at the 2007 ICC World Cricket League Division III in Australia.
Even into his 60s, Kabuki stayed active in the league, guided by a simple philosophy:
“We don’t do this for accolades, but for the love of the game. If you’re in it for money, you won’t last.”
Kabuki now joins fellow Ugandan cricket legends AK Lutaaya, Samwiri Walusimbi, and William Luwagga Kamanyi, past recipients of the ICC’s top honours.
His legacy is felt not just in clubs and schools, but also through his sons, Jeremy and Cyrus, who have proudly worn the national jersey.
