Kavuma intent on steering Ugandan cricket to new heights

Jackson Kavuma (L) poses with IOC member William Blick. PHOTOS/COURTESY
What you need to know:
Seated in the elegant ambiance of Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, Jackson Kavuma exuded calm confidence as he spoke passionately to our Sports Sub Editor Innocent Ndawula about his ambitions for Ugandan cricket. With nearly two decades of administrative experience in the sport, he now aims for the top leadership role as chairman of Uganda Cricket Association (UCA). Kavuma, a procurement expert with an Advanced Sports Management background, shared his strategic vision for the sport’s future, his thoughts on governance, and his readiness to face competition.
Personal & Professional Background
Q: Can you share a bit about your journey in cricket administration and how it has shaped your leadership philosophy?
I joined cricket administration in 2004 as Team Manager for Africa Cricket Club (ACC) and later served as Women’s Team Manager in 2006. Between 2007 and 2010, I was a Council Delegate for ACC. I’ve also served as UCA Honorary Secretary from 2012 to 2014 and 2023 to 2024, while managing the national men’s team between 2017 and 2023. Working under great administrators like the late Abbey Kits Lutaaya (former National Council of Sports – NCS General Secretary) and late John Nagenda (former senior presidential advisor on media) taught me invaluable leadership lessons.
Q: Beyond cricket, what experiences from your professional life do you believe will be valuable in leading UCA?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (majoring in Finance) from Makerere University and a Master’s in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from Uganda Management Institute (UMI). I’ve worked in financial institutions, hospital procurement, and construction industry as director at Shaws Synergy Construction Ltd.
My experience managing resources and people will be essential in leading UCA. My Advanced Sports Management Diploma also gives me a solid foundation for sports administration.
Vision For UCA
Q: How has your tenure as UCA Honorary Secretary prepared you for the chairmanship role?
I’ve outlined five key focus areas in my manifesto:
- Governance: Improving UCA’s governance framework and ensuring stakeholder collaboration.
- High Performance: Developing strategies to qualify for major tournaments, including the T20 and 50-over World Cups.
- Infrastructure: Upgrading existing facilities and securing land for a new cricket ground.
- Development: Tapping into grassroots talent and aiming for ODI status by 2028.
- Financial Sustainability: Ensuring balanced financial planning and attracting more partners.
Addressing Controversies
Q: Allegations of financial misappropriation during the ICC Cricket World Cup and Challenge League B have circulated. How do you respond?
Such allegations are often hearsay without factual evidence. We’ve maintained transparency, providing documents on preparation, sponsorship, and participation funds. While Challenge League B had some issues, the ongoing audits will clarify everything.
Q: How will you ensure transparency and accountability in UCA’s financial operations?
We have governance documents and operational procedures, but adherence has been lacking. I plan to introduce a Board Charter to separate roles and hold members accountable. Finalizing the constitution’s registration under the New Sports Law will also empower the secretariat to manage daily operations more effectively.
Q: Pending player World Cup bonuses have been contentious. How will you resolve this and maintain player morale?
Being our first time at the senior men’s World Cup, we encountered challenges. We’ve learned valuable lessons and will adopt best practices. Player contracts have already helped maintain morale by providing financial stability.
Competition with Fred Lutaaya
Q: Your rival, Fred Lutaaya, emphasizes transparency and securing a new home ground. How does your vision differ?
I’m not in competition with Lutaaya but with myself to offer practical solutions for cricket’s growth. We need to align with International Cricket Council (ICC) and the new Sports Law while ensuring compliance with government regulations.
Q: Why do you believe you are the best candidate to steer Ugandan cricket into a brighter future?
I make decisions, whether good or bad, and take responsibility for them. Leadership often means influencing people’s careers and lives. My international relationships are visible, and I’ve established contacts with Associate and Full-Member countries, including Sri Lanka, Qatar and Bahrain to support Ugandan cricket. I was recently invited by New Zealand cricket.

Kavuma (R) speaks to legend Sam Walusimbi.
Leadership & Governance
Q: What governance reforms do you propose?
We must comply with the new sports law while adhering to ICC governance guidelines. Within the first six months, I’ll work with stakeholders to establish a transparent leadership framework.
Q: From Plascon, to Lyca and now we are hearing Nile Breweries among others, how do you plan to build strong partnerships with sponsors and stakeholders to ensure long-term financial stability for the association?
We shall reach out to whoever can support in building these collaborations, partnerships and synergies to move UCA to acceptable standards in the eyes of the stakeholders while ensuring UCA remains commercially viable.
Personal Insight
Q: What drives your passion for cricket, and how do you balance this with your professional and personal life?
I want Uganda to become a One Day International (ODI) nation and host big teams. Being self-employed gives me time for cricket, although it’s not always easy on my family. My wife and kids have been supportive. Mistakes have taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and transparency.
Q: What legacy do you hope to leave if entrusted with leading Ugandan cricket?
I’m not here to blow my own trumpet about my legacy. This is earned. I firmly believe that if you're brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello. My goal isn't just to be successful but to be of value. Let's see what 2025 has in store before looking too far ahead.