Uganda Cricket Association recognized at the ICC Development Awards

The commendable job being done by the Uganda Cricket Association off the crease has picked up international recognition.

The local cricket governing body scooped the ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year award at the International Cricket Council Development Awards.

The announcement was made on the global cricket governing body website on Thursday.

The award is in recognition of Uganda's innovative methods of promoting talented young players, successfully engaging and raising awareness among cricket enthusiasts nationwide.

Uganda returned to the U19 Men's cricket world cup in 2022 after a 15-year hiatus, and Alan Mugume, the association CEO, welcomed the development.

"It's such a great honour and privilege for UCA and Uganda cricket at large to receive this award;

"A lot of effort has gone into enlightening the public about the game in Uganda, and this award shows that none of it has been in vain," Mugume told the ICC website.

Namibia walked away with the most awards (three), claiming the ICC Development Initiative of the Year, the Men's Associate Performance of the Year and the Cricket 4 good social impact initiative of the Year.

The ICC Associate Member Women's performance award went to Rwanda's U19 side. The small populated nation reached its first U19 T20 World Cup in 2023.

Established in 2002, International Cricket Council awards honour the ground-breaking projects and programs carried out by ICC Members to develop cricket in developing countries.

Uganda's men's and women's senior national cricket teams are competing in Kenya and Rwanda, respectively.

The men are at the Continental T2O Cup, while the Victoria Pearls are competing at the Kwibuka tournament in Rwanda.