Joe took a photograph second with the gang at Lugogo
On Saturday, Uganda’s cricket fraternity gathered at Lugogo Cricket Oval to honor the enduring legacy of Engineer Joseph “Joe” Kaamu—an iconic determine whose contribution to the sport spans a long time as a participant, coach, and mentor.
The tribute featured a symbolic “Abagurusi” (veterans) cricket match.
Though interrupted by rain and diminished from 20 to simply 5 overs per aspect, it nonetheless captured the spirit of the day.
Group Joe batted first, posting 43 runs, which Group Kaamu efficiently chased down with 9 wickets in hand.
Joe Kaamu whereas enjoying the Abagurusi recreation
Joe Kaamu’s impression on Ugandan cricket started within the Nineteen Sixties and nonetheless resonates right this moment.
Born on July 6, 1950, in Mbarara to Alfred and Hilda Mutashwera, his cricket journey was impressed by his father, a revered Ankole Kingdom official.
As a boy, Joe performed makeshift cricket with tins and planks, laying the inspiration for a lifelong ardour.
At Ntare College, Joe’s abilities flourished beneath the mentorship of Coach Valeriano Rwaheru.
By 1968, he captained the college staff and earned a spot on the nationwide aspect, enjoying with legends like Sam Walusimbi and William Kamanyi.
That very same yr, he represented the nationwide faculties staff in opposition to a visiting London XI, which featured future England captain Graham Gooch.
Joe continued to shine at Makerere College and on the East African stage.
After the 1972 expulsion of Asians, the African XI advanced into Uganda’s nationwide staff, permitting Joe to signify the nation till 1977.
Searching for higher alternatives, he performed in Kenya for Nairobi’s Wanderers Membership till 1988 earlier than returning to Uganda to affix Nile Cricket Membership till his retirement in 1995.
Past enjoying, Joe formed future generations as a coach at Ntare College, mentoring skills like former Cricket Cranes captain Davis Karashani and Arthur Nuwagaba.
His affect stays deep-rooted in Uganda’s cricket cloth.
Now retired in rural Mbarara together with his spouse Jolly, Joe nonetheless displays on the sport with pleasure.
“If I returned in one other life,
” he muses,
“I’d work on my onside pictures watching Dravid, Haynes, and Jawahir Shah.”
Regardless of a scheduling battle with the Ntare League closing, which affected turnout, the occasion was heartfelt.
Former teammate Sam Walusimbi summed it up greatest:
“Joe was hardworking, all the way down to earth, and a pleasure to play with.
I’m glad we’ve celebrated his legacy whereas he’s nonetheless with us.”
