Lugogo to get new look ahead of global show

By Silvano Kibuuka

THE National Council of Sports (NCS) and Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) have embarked on the process of improving the Lugogo Oval ahead of the ICC World Cricket League Division 3 Tournament.

The competition is set for October 25-November 3 with six countries — Uganda, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, Bermuda and USA expected to participate.

The process at Lugogo started last month with UCA sealing off the facility to intruders so that grass on the oval is not tampered with.

Previously, members of various sports disciplines and individuals used the Oval for training sessions and jogging.

NCS general secretary Jasper Aligaweesa said they will work jointly with the Indian Association of Uganda on the pavilion.

UCA Chief Executive Officer Justin Ligyalingi said they will take care of the dressing rooms and the pitch.

Ligyalingi added that the work will take three weeks.

Cricket Development Officer Henry Okecho said Uganda is out to finish in the first two positions at the Lugogo tournament to qualify for the ICC World Cricket League tournament set for Namibia in February next year. The tournament will have 12 countries.

The top six teams will later compete in the First Division and the other six in the Second Division.

“Our aim is to qualify for the First Division. We played in Bermuda last year but were relegated to Division Three,” Okecho told New Vision.

Uganda’s team is in South Africa ahead of the tournament at Lugogo.