By 
On Saturday, Uganda’s cricket fraternity gathered at Lugogo Cricket Oval to honor the enduring legacy of Engineer Joseph “Joe” Kaamu—an iconic figure whose contribution to the game spans decades as a player, coach, and mentor.
The tribute featured a symbolic “Abagurusi” (veterans) cricket match.
Although interrupted by rain and reduced from 20 to just 5 overs per side, it still captured the spirit of the day.
Team Joe batted first, posting 43 runs, which Team Kaamu successfully chased down with nine wickets in hand.
Joe Kaamu while playing the Abagurusi game
Joe Kaamu’s impact on Ugandan cricket began in the 1960s and still resonates today.
Born on July 6, 1950, in Mbarara to Alfred and Hilda Mutashwera, his cricket journey was inspired by his father, a respected Ankole Kingdom official.
As a boy, Joe played makeshift cricket with tins and planks, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion.
At Ntare School, Joe’s skills flourished under the mentorship of Coach Valeriano Rwaheru.
By 1968, he captained the school team and earned a spot on the national side, playing with legends like Sam Walusimbi and William Kamanyi.
That same year, he represented the national schools team against a visiting London XI, which featured future England captain Graham Gooch.
Joe continued to shine at Makerere University and on the East African stage.
After the 1972 expulsion of Asians, the African XI evolved into Uganda’s national team, allowing Joe to represent the country until 1977.
Seeking better opportunities, he played in Kenya for Nairobi’s Wanderers Club until 1988 before returning to Uganda to join Nile Cricket Club until his retirement in 1995.
Beyond playing, Joe shaped future generations as a coach at Ntare School, mentoring talents like former Cricket Cranes captain Davis Karashani and Arthur Nuwagaba.
His influence remains deep-rooted in Uganda’s cricket fabric.
Now retired in rural Mbarara with his wife Jolly, Joe still reflects on the game with joy.
“If I returned in another life,
” he muses,
“I’d work on my onside shots watching Dravid, Haynes, and Jawahir Shah.”
Despite a scheduling conflict with the Ntare League final, which affected turnout, the event was heartfelt.
Former teammate Sam Walusimbi summed it up best:
“Joe was hardworking, down to earth, and a joy to play with.
I’m glad we’ve celebrated his legacy while he’s still with us.”
