Nagenda donates sh2m

By Ronnie Kintu Senior Presidential media and public relations advisor, John Nagenda, has donated shs2m to Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) to help in the preparation of the forth-coming Africa under-19 tournament in January. Presiding over the inauguration ceremony of the first ever International Cricket Council (ICC) sponsored academy in Africa at Lugogo headquarters yesterday, the veteran cricketer hailed the good works of UCA. "It was a blessing to oust the incompetent old executive of Sam Walusimbi and his cohorts, for all the cricket development in Uganda would not be if the new executive did not come in," remarked Nagenda. He also welcomed back the National Council of Sports general secretary Abbey Lutaya from the long leave and greatly hailed him for his vast contribution to put Uganda cricket on the international scene. Nagenda, former national player and UCA boss also encouraged the school boys to utilise the three weeks academy and aim at joining the national side so that Uganda remains the only regional side with a purely indigenous national team. Earlier on, Nagenda inspected the playing facilities at Lugogo and officially opened the playing nets. Francis Kazinduki chairman UCA was overwhelmed with the projects funded by ICC and reported that the offices, dressing rooms, bowling machine, and the sports hostel at Lugogo were all ready for use while the club house at Kyambogo is in the final stages. The ICC representative and development director for Africa Hossain Ayoub revealed that the academy in Uganda has made his dream come true when he first visited the country in 1993. Ayoub was hailed by Lutaya for the potential, dedication and leadership he entrusted in UCA that has led to the current developments. Also present were the ICC development officer for East Africa Tom Tikolo, national coach William Kamanyi, UCA officials, school teachers, students and senior cricketers. Today, participants will take on field practicals, theory and video shows. Ends.