Mwami issues rallying cry to govt

KAMPALA.
After a two-year sabbatical without holding the annual fete that is the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) Annual Awards, the big-do returned with oomph worth reckoning at the MTN Arena in Lugogo on Thursday night.

Roger Mukasa, the 25-year-old opening batsman, deservedly hogged the headlines winning the night’s two biggest awards- the men’s National League title with Tornado B and Male Cricket of the Year. Both awards fetched Mukasa a substantial individual cash prize estimated at Shs7m.

But UCA chairman Richard Mwami didn’t let the chance pass him to woo the Government of Uganda (GOU) to start supporting the gentleman’s game.

“Hon Prime Minister,” Mwami told Premier Ruhakana Rugunda in his well-articulated speech. “We are aware of the disappointment that has been expressed concerning the budget allocation to sport. We continue to live in hope that one day like this we will see a fundament change.

“It is our considered opinion that Government will one day support sports in this country based on the positive publicity exposure the country enjoys as opposed to the large numbers that a particular sport may have.”

His plea came in the wake of the senior men’s national team continued good showings on international circuit where coach Peter Kirsten’s boys recently earned promotion to the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cricket League (WCL) Division II showpiece in Windhoek, Namibia scheduled for January next year.

Despite putting across some worthy points that got the full house at the Awards Dinner all ears, the former top-order batsman managed to get the cricket fraternity laughing at the same time.

“We know that the President (Yoweri Museveni) is a reluctant cricket fan but live in hope that his once budding talent while at Ntare School will reactivate. Please deliver this message to him,” Mwami said amidst chuckles.

“We are looking for Government support to develop and complete the two cricket ovals in Kisubi. The project is worth $500,000 (Shs1.25 bn). Government support towards that would go a long way towards promotion and development of the game. It will allow us to attract more international tournaments that bring along extras that support the economy.”

Rugunda, too, effortlessly got the fraternity clapping when he got onto the podium. “Cricket has been projecting the name of Uganda on the international scene. So no government can afford to ignore this form of excellence.”

Sunday Monitor has already learnt that Mwami is set to meet Rugunda on Thursday to discuss a way forward on how the Government can give a fitting helping hand to Uganda Cricket Association.

2014 UCA AWARDS – ROLL OF HONOUR
Cricketers of the Year
M: Roger Mukasa Galiwango
W: Damalie Busingye
Upcoming Cricketers
M: Zephania Arinaitwe
W: Patricia Malemikia
Best Coach
Habibu Mugalula (Jinja SS)
Best Team Manager
Rodney Mugisha (Mwiri & Jinja SS)
Best Volunteer
Felix Musana
Best Umpire
Eric Wandera
Best Groundsman
Julius Bukulu (Kyambogo)
PREVIOUS MVP WINNERS
2011: Lawrence Ssematimba
2012: Benjamin Musoke
2013: Nicholas Kebba
2014: Roger Mukasa Galiwango

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