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DEVELOPMENTS |
| The following is a brief review of each of the cricket development programmes: • Mini Cricket Development Programme 
Mini Cricket was introduced in Uganda in 1994 by ICC Regional Development Manager, Mr. Hoosain Ayob (then Development Manager of UCBSA) and the late Sir Conrad Hunte. The programme started with only 4 schools (all in Kampala) The programme uses locally manufactured bats, and at the worst, used lawn tennis balls The rules are simplified to enable it be played in primary schools in different settings.
It is easily played by both boys and girls. Today, Over 180 schools in 21 districts across the entire country play this game competitively and this number is limited by budgetary and managerial constraints. Tournaments are played progressively at district, regional and eventually at National level. School leavers are trained to provide basic coaching and also help in running the tournaments. Schools form district and regional committees which are a key in the running of this programme. Products of this programme are now the backbone of all our age group tournaments (both boys and girls). Great tribute to our Sponsors MTN Uganda ,Stanbic Bank Uganda, The Kampala Kids League and our latest partner, The British High Commission Small Projects Scheme • Schools Development Programme 
As highlighted, activities related to this programme started way back, with the first tournament in 1939 for 4 schools. This programme however was expounded formally during 1976, when it was realized that with the expulsion of Asians, a solid programme in schools had to be consolidated. Cricket survived the bad days of the 1970s up to mid 1980s, just because of this programme. It has likewise continued to prosper for the same reason. The highlight of this programme is the Schools Cricket Week, where the best teams compete for the Schools honors. This tournament, for the past 15 years has been sponsored by M/S Century Bottling Company Limited The programme typically starts with coaching visits to schools, where some equipment is donated, subject to availability. During the second term, regional tournaments are held, to determine the best 12 teams that do eventually participate in the Schools Cricket Week. This programme currently covers 45 boys secondary schools, but actual demand is much higher than this, because of the numbers generated by Mini Cricket. Gratitude to the British High Commission, Indian High Commission and Bankstead District Cricket Club (Australia) for the generous donations of equipment. This programme has been responsible for producing the players that have enabled us qualify for the last two Under 19 World Cup tournaments. They also now form a backbone of the Senior National team. The Abagurusi (the elders or veterans) play games amongst themselves. This is meant to help boost a fraternity and enable retired players to play against schoolboys as a way of coaching and encouraging them to play Cricket. This activity has now been revived to a great extent by the introduction of Abagurusi League, played by 4 teams. Holiday camps are held in the first term holidays, where each school is able to send some players for coaching. School masters are involved as well. For the last 5 years, these camps (and the coaching visits) have been financed as part of the ICC Regional Development budget. The top performing student from the Coca Cola schools cricket week and regional tournament are invited to an high performance academy in december under the guidance of national coach and a guest coach. 
With the success of the Mini Cricket programme, it meant that a number of secondary school girls had played and were interested in playing Cricket. The Association thus started a programme for this category in 1999 initially covering 4 schools, (Gayaza, Budo,Nyakasura and City High Initial programmes were limited to coaching visits, provision of equipment and exchange of visits. During 2001, the British Council, through their Dreams and Teams Project extended support to this programme, as part of their campaign to establish leadership skills in young ladies through sports. This partnership enabled the Association to systematically spread the game to more schools, and eventually hold a Girls’ Schools Cricket Week The World Health Organization joined the programme, specifically to sponsor this tournament, which now is a regular feature. When the ICC established regional age group tournaments in 2001, this programme enabled us raise a competitive women’s team, and programme just won the ICC Pepsi Development award 2008 for best Women's Cricket Program ontop of being the East African defending champions. The programme now runs in over 20 schools and of late, the donation of equipment from Bankstead District Cricket Club has been very handy. 
Club Cricket in the 1970s and 1980s was played on matting. During the 1990s, astral turf was introduced, and is still in place at 4 of the 5 major grounds. During 2003, a grass wicket was laid at Lugogo, with sponsorship from Castle Lager and Shell Uganda Limited In 2006 the MCC donated $5,000 towards laying of a grass wicket at Kyambogo. bring the number of grass wicket to two. Uganda first National teams was selected 1950. 
On top of the above, the Association hires on full time basis, an Admnistrative Officer, a Development Officer and Grounds staff to manage the Office and support all programmes. Although the above Officers are employed on full time basis, their pay does not reflect the kind of work they do. More details about UCA cricket developments
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| © Uganda Cricket Association 2009 Lugogo Stadium, PO Box 8346 Kampala,
Uganda |