A true legend of the gentleman’s game Sam Walusimbi got his flowers at a celebration match played to appreciate his contribution to the sport.
Walusimbi started playing the game in 1953, honing his skills at Budo Junior School and Kings College Budo before starting to feature at the senior level. He is one of the two only Ugandans to have featured for the East African combined side at the 1975 World Cup in England.
Walusimbi captained Uganda in 1973 during some memorable trips touring the region. He stopped actively playing the game in 2001 for his beloved Wanderers Cricket Club which he formed with his friends in 1977.
He coached the Cricket Cranes to victory in 2009 at the Division 3 competition in Darwin, Australia, and also took the U-19 team to the World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2006.
Administratively, he was elected chairman of the Uganda Cricket Association in 2000 but couldn’t complete his term due to some wrangles in the federation.
At the celebration, cricket loyalty, present and past, came through to play a 17-over cricket match. His nephew Navio (who is a popular musician) was part of the group that took part in the match, UOC President Don Rukare was also in attendance, Maggie Kigozi the former Executive Director of Uganda Investment Authority and a sister in law to Sam Walusimbi was also in attendance.
