Naome Kayondo bows out after 23-year cricket career

National women’s cricket team player Naome Kayondo has officially retired from the sport after a career spanning 23 years, during which she became one of the longest-serving and most influential figures in Ugandan women’s cricket.

Kayondo made the announcement on Saturday, September 13, during a testimonial game and farewell luncheon held at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

The game featured the “Yondos XI” against a select side in a lighthearted 12-over contest before friends, family, officials from the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA), and former teammates joined to celebrate her journey.

Noome Kayodo Bagenda (left) receiving an award from fellow cricketers at her testimonial. Photo:Silvano Kibuuka

Speaking with gratitude, Naome revealed that she had long prepared for this moment.

“It was not by surprise. I had planned and prayed for this to happen two years ago,” she said.

Kayondo, who debuted for the Victoria Pearls in 2002 at the age of just 12 years, believes she remains the youngest player ever to represent Uganda at senior level. She went on to captain the side and established herself as one of the pioneers of women’s cricket in the country.

Reflecting on her career, she credited her early mentors:

“I thank my headmaster, William Semivule, for identifying me at a tender age at King’s College Budo. I was among the pioneer girls to play cricket at the school. I also thank my parents, Dr. and Nnaalongo Kayondo, Mr. and Mrs. Ngobi, and Coach Sam Walusimbi for all the support to my career.”

Noome Kayodo Bagenda (middle) cutting a cake with her relatives at her testimonial. Photo:Silvano Kibuuka

Although some fans thought she retired “too early,” Naome explained her decision:

“It’s not early retirement because I have been through routines I did not like. For me, cricket is 120 percent, and if I cannot give that, I should not be actively playing.”

Her father, Dr. Edward Kayondo, who initially opposed his children’s involvement in sports, admitted he was proud of her accomplishments:

“I once denied Naome and her siblings the chance to play sports, but she defied me. The next thing I knew, she was asking permission to travel with the national team. The rest is history, and I am delighted for all she has achieved for the family and the nation.”

Her brother, Ham Kayondo, himself a former national cricketer, praised her trailblazing role:

“She taught us the game, even without our father’s knowledge. She was an icon with a talent far beyond many.”

While stepping away from active play, Kayondo reassured supporters that she will remain in the game, shifting to coaching, commentary, and administrative roles to promote women’s cricket.

“I won’t be leaving. I plan to coach at academies, commentate, and work with the association in management and promotion of women’s cricket,” she said.

In a heartfelt conclusion, she also thanked herself for the perseverance that defined her career:

“Finally, I would like to thank myself for the effort and resilience to stay in this game for 23 years. It is not a small feat, and I thank God for guiding me.”

Kayondo leaves the field as a pioneer, role model, and record-holder, the face of a generation of women cricketers who helped shape the game in Uganda.