Uganda’s rising cricket star Ronald Lutaaya is making his mark at the SuperSport Park International Cricket Academy (SPICA) in Centurion, showing why he’s considered one of the country’s brightest batting prospects.
Since joining the academy on August 15, the 22-year-old left-hander nicknamed “Big Rolly” by his teammates has impressed with a string of outstanding performances.
He became the first batter at SPICA to score back-to-back half-centuries, smashing 94 off 91 balls against North West Academy and following it up with 60 off 54 balls against North West Union 1st XI.
Lutaaya’s biggest highlight came during SPICA’s thrilling one-wicket win over Gauteng Lions Academy, where his quickfire 44 off 37 balls set the tone for a record chase of 321 runs.
In total, the Kyambogo-bred talent has scored 275 runs in six matches, including explosive cameos of 38 off 23 balls and 39 off 19, showing his fearless, free-hitting style.
Speaking about his experience, Lutaaya said:
“We’re all working to become better international players, and this set-up is helping us mature fast. The training is specialized, and everyone gets the attention they need. Hopefully, everything keeps going well.”
At SPICA, he’s training under elite coach Richard Das Neves, former Titans head coach, and learning from cricket greats like Chris Morris, who focused on death bowling pressure scenarios, and AB de Villiers, who shared tips on handling spin and creative stroke play.
Cricket Uganda has praised his progress. Hon. Secretary Denis Musali said:
“Lutaaya’s growth shows why securing such opportunities is vital. Players like Guy Kimbowa, Richard Okia, Lawrence Ssematimba, and Frank Nsubuga benefited from similar setups and went on to represent Uganda.
We’re committed to giving more of our players access to high-performance programs.”
The 17-man SPICA camp features players from South Africa, Nigeria, Japan, and Uganda, with Lutaaya proudly flying the Pearl of Africa’s flag until mid-September.
His development comes at a crucial time as the Cricket Cranes prepare for a busy international calendar.
Richard Okia, Cricket Uganda’s Head of High Performance & Pathways, believes this experience will elevate Lutaaya’s game:
“Training within the Titans set-up will make him a more refined, aware, and well-rounded player. This fits perfectly with our pathways framework.”
With his growing consistency, technical improvement, and exposure to world-class coaching, Ronald Lutaaya is quickly emerging as one of Uganda’s key batting pillars, carrying the hopes of a cricket-loving nation.
Summary of Lutaaya’s scores at SPICA (August–September 2025)
- August 26: 94 off 91 balls vs. North West Academy – 50-Over Game
- August 27: 60 off 54 balls vs. North West Union 1st XI – 50-Over Game
- August 28: 44 off 37 balls vs. Central Gauteng Academy – 50-Over Game
- August 29: 38 off 23 balls vs. Central Gauteng Academy – T20 Game
- August 29: 1 off 4 balls vs. North West Union 1st XI – T20 Game
- September 7: Did Not Bat vs. Tuks XI – T20 Game
- September 7: 39 off 19 balls vs. Tuks XI – T20 Game
