By Musa Kikuuno, Busoga Times Sports Writer WhatsApp: 0756322265
The year 2024 will go down in history as a golden period for Uganda’s sports, filled with triumphs, milestones, and unforgettable stories across various disciplines.
CRICKET SUCCESS AND HISTORY
Uganda’s Cricket Cranes had a memorable year, building on the momentum of 2023 to earn a place in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies.
Competing in Group C alongside Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the hosts, Uganda showed promise despite finishing fourth.
Frank Nsubuga, the oldest player at 43 years, made history with his inspirational presence.
Locally, Wanderers won their maiden men’s T20 league title, ending Aziz Damani’s dominance.
Soroti City triumphed in the women’s T20 league for the second consecutive year.
Raizat Ali Shah capped off the year by being named Cricketer of the Year.
ATHLETICS: CHEPTEGEI CEMENTS LEGACY
Joshua Cheptegei sealed his legendary status by winning his third consecutive Olympic gold in the 10,000m at the Paris Olympics, clocking 26:43 in his farewell race over the distance.
This victory places him among the greatest, alongside Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele.
FOOTBALL: A YEAR OF REVIVAL
Uganda Cranes qualified for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco after missing the previous two editions.
Under Belgian coach Joseph Paul Put, the team finished second in their group with 13 points.
Kitara FC lifted the Uganda Cup, defeating NEC FC 1-0, while SC Villa ended a 20-year league title drought with their 17th crown.
The year also marked the return of football to Namboole and Nakivubo stadiums after years of inactivity, with both hosting historic matches.
BASKETBALL DOMINANCE CONTINUES
City Oilers extended their dominance by securing a record 14th consecutive National Basketball League title, sweeping KIU Titans in the finals.
RUGBY AND NETBALL ACHIEVEMENTS
Kenya Simbas retained the Elgon Cup with a dominant victory over Uganda at Kings Park, Bweyogerere.
The She Cranes finished third in the Fast5 series and reached the Netball Africa Cup finals but fell to South Africa.
YOUNG STARS AND FUTURE PROMISE
The Uganda U-17 Cubs secured a spot in the 2025 AFCON U-17 tournament in Morocco after winning the CECAFA championship.
The Victoria Pearls are chasing a third appearance at the Women’s Global Qualifiers, while the U-19 boys aim for a fourth World Cup berth.
OTHER NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS
Masaza Cup: Butembe triumphed to win their second trophy, with Bukono putting up strong performances.
Match-Fixing Scandal: FUFA banned 12 individuals for their roles in match manipulation.
Tragic Losses: The sports fraternity mourned the deaths of iconic figures like Fred Kajoba, Ahmed Senyange, and Era Mugisa.
Onana Mania: Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana received a hero’s welcome at Namboole during Cameroon’s AFCON qualifiers.
LOOKING AHEAD
With 2025 promising more action, Uganda’s sports landscape is poised for even greater milestones.
From the Cricket Cranes’ African T20 campaign to the Victoria Pearls’ qualifiers and the U-19 boys’ World Cup quest, the future looks bright.
Musa Kikuuno – Dedicated to capturing Uganda’s sports stories for posterity.
