The Uganda men's national cricket team is nicknamed the Cricket Cranes. The side represents the Uganda Cricket Association, based in Kampala, and competes in the Africa region of the ICC. In 2024 it played at a men's T20 World Cup for the first time, a landmark for a cricket history that began with schools and railway workers in the early twentieth century.
Origins of the game
Cricket reached Uganda in the early 1900s, linked to the building of the East African railway and the Indian labourers who worked on it. Four schools became early centres of the game: Busoga College Mwiri, King’s College Budo, Makerere College School and Nyakasura School. A Schools Cricket Week was launched in 1939. In 1947 the first all-black team emerged, and by 1950 it had become Africa Cricket Club.
Governing body and grounds
The Uganda Cricket Association describes itself as the national body responsible for the organisation and development of cricket in the country. Its headquarters moved to Lugogo Oval in Kampala in the 1980s, after the government handed over the former agricultural showground. Kyambogo, Entebbe and Jinja are also used as cricket grounds.
Associate status
Uganda was awarded ICC Associate Member status in 1998, which allowed the country to enter international tournaments in its own right. The team made its debut at the ICC Trophy in Canada in 2001, finishing 10th. In 1991 Uganda had won the East and Central Africa Quadrangular, its first regional title since 1966.
The road to the 2024 T20 World Cup
Uganda qualified through the Africa Qualifier in Windhoek, Namibia, at the end of 2023. They beat Zimbabwe by five wickets after bowling the Full Member side out for 136 for 7. Uganda finished second to Namibia and became the 20th and last team to qualify for the 2024 tournament, which was played in the West Indies and the United States. It was their first World Cup of any kind in the men’s game.
Younger and women’s teams
Frequently asked questions
Why are Uganda called the Cricket Cranes?
Cricket Cranes is the national team's nickname, and the junior side is known as the Baby Cricket Cranes.
When did Uganda join the ICC as an Associate?
In 1998.
When did Uganda first play at a T20 World Cup?
In 2024, in the West Indies and the United States, after qualifying as runners-up at the Africa Qualifier in Windhoek.