On a dusty field in Jinja, the sound that carries the farthest is not the crack of the bat. It is laughter. Loud, carefree, and impossible to ignore. A group of women, some in their 50s, others well into their 80s, gather in long dresses, a few barefoot, all ready to play cricket. They joke, they cheer, they miss a ball and laugh about it like schoolgirls.
They are known as Uganda’s cricket grannies, and what started as a simple idea has quietly grown into one of the most heartwarming stories in grassroots sport.
From Watching to Playing: How the Grannies Joined In
The story goes back to 2025 in Kivubuka, a small community in eastern Uganda. At the time, cricket activities were designed for children. But there was a problem. Many parents and caregivers did not understand the game, and that made it harder for the children to fully participate.
So, coach Aaron Kusasira made a simple decision. If the children were going to learn cricket, the adults around them should learn too. He invited a few grandmothers to join in. Just ten of them showed up at first, curious but unsure of what to expect.
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What followed was not instant perfection. There were missed swings, confused rules, and plenty of laughter. But something clicked. The women kept coming back. What began as curiosity slowly turned into excitement. Then it became routine.
Today, that small group has grown into a movement, reaching communities like Wakalenge and Bufula. The grannies are no longer spectators. They are players, teammates, and in many ways, the heartbeat of the programme.
Health, Healing and a Fresh Start
For many of these women, cricket has become more than a game. It has become a form of relief.
Before joining, some struggled with body pain, especially in their legs and backs. Now, weekly training sessions have them stretching, jogging, and moving in ways they had not done in years. One grandmother shared that she went an entire year without needing to see a doctor for back pain that once troubled her regularly.
But the changes go beyond the physical. There is something powerful about having a place to go, people to see, and stories to share. At home, the days can feel long and quiet. On the field, everything changes. There is conversation, there is laughter, there is a sense of belonging.
They talk about their worries, they advise one another, and by the time they leave, the mood is lighter. You can see it in the way they walk off the field, still chatting, still smiling.Cricket has given them movement, yes, but it has also given them community. And sometimes, that is exactly what people need.
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Grandmothers, Grandchildren and the Future of Cricket
One of the most beautiful parts of this story is how it brings generations together.At a recent community festival in Jinja, 56 cricket grannies teamed up with 78 children in a lively, fast-paced showcase. The energy was infectious. Grandmothers played alongside their grandchildren, cheering them on, guiding them, and learning from them too.
This connection is changing how the game is seen. Cricket is no longer just a sport for the young. It is something families can share. It is something that builds bonds.
Some of the women have even taken on leadership roles within the group, helping to organise activities and keep things running smoothly. It shows that this is not a passing trend. There is structure, there is growth, and there is purpose.
What started as a way to get children involved has turned into something much bigger.
A Story Bigger Than the Game
In the end, this is not just about cricket. It is about joy found in unexpected places. It is about women refusing to slow down simply because of age. Most importantly, it is about community, connection, and the quiet power of trying something new.
On that field in Jinja, every swing of the bat tells a story. And every laugh reminds you that sometimes, the best chapters begin later in life.
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