Barely had the celebrations settled at Lugogo Cricket Oval on Sunday evening, after Itanda Kayakers dethroned Karuma Rapids by six wickets to win the Waterfalls Women’s Elite T20, than the spotlight shifted to the men’s game.
With the echoes of that final still ringing, the Waterfalls Men’s Elite T20 bowls off on Tuesday, February 3, ushering in another burst of high intensity domestic cricket.
The men’s tournament begins on the back of a women’s competition that once again highlighted the growing stature of the Waterfalls Elite League.
From Tuesday morning, the country’s top male cricketers will converge at Lugogo for a compact but fiercely contested event.
This year’s edition features three teams; Itanda Kayakers, Bujjagali Rafters and Karuma Rapids, each combining seasoned campaigners with emerging talent from across Uganda.
Itanda Kayakers arrive with pedigree and confidence, having won the inaugural men’s title in 2023 while Bujjagali Rafters and Karuma Rapids will be keen to break that hold and assert themselves early.
The tournament carries added weight given the busy year ahead for both the Cricket Cranes and the Baby Cricket Cranes, with key qualification campaigns looming.
For many players, the Men’s Elite T20 offers a crucial stage to push for national selection. Sipi Trekkers, who featured in the previous edition, are absent this time, subtly altering the competitive landscape.
Development remains central to the Waterfalls Elite League. As in the women’s competition, each team must field at least three Under-19 players, a rule that continues to open pathways for young cricketers while keeping standards high.
Unlike the women’s event, the men’s tournament will be played without a rest day, promising a relentless pace from the first ball to the last.
The teams are steered by experienced leadership, with Jonathan Ssebanja at Itanda Kayakers, Sadam Oyaga heading Bujjagali Rafters, and former Uganda international Roger Mukasa leading Karuma Rapids as head coach.
Tuesday’s opening day sets the tone immediately. Bujjagali Rafters face a demanding double header, taking on Itanda Kayakers at 10:00am before returning at 2:00pm to meet Karuma Rapids.
With no room for slow starts, all three sides will be eager to make an early statement.
Karuma Rapids
Kenneth Waiswa (C), Ronald Lutaya, Charles Musemeza, Brian Asaba, Munir Ismail, Cyrus Kakuru (WK), Paul Mulongo, Jonathan Nyiro, Cosmas Kyewuta, Henry Senyondo, Jordan Oketcho, Hamid Munigwa, Daniel Rubangakene, Felix Ochan
Itanda Kayakers
Cristopher Kidega (C), Simon Ssesazi, Perry Wazombe, Abraiz Ali, Anas Baig, Steve Wabwose (WK), Jaffer Ochaya, Pius Oloka, Siraje Nsubuga, Mathew Musinguzi, Baidhu Ivan, Musa Majid Ramathan, Devansh Patel, Kenneth Ogenrwot
Bujjagali Rafters
Juma Miyaji (C), Robinson Obuya, Gerald Olipa, Fahad Mutagana, Robert Ajuna, Calvin Watuwa, Fred Ahcelam, Joseph Baguma, Simon Oketcho, Enock Kasaija, Sowobi Yunusu, Balidawa Ali, Richard Sohera, Pity Daniel
