Alan Mugume has taken over from Martin Ondeko as CEO of the Uganda Cricket Association.
In an announcement made by the Association, 42-year-old Mugume will serve as Chief Executive Officer for the next three years.
“It gives me great pleasure to be here today and I feel very proud to be part of a strong team where structures have been laid.” Alan noted as he was being introduced to the media on Friday.
Formerly Head of Business Development at Diaspo Capital, Alan Mugume also served as an economist at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
His target through out the tenure will be to commercialize the game and grow the standards of governance further, given the vast experience and rich background he holds in finance management and investment.
“I look forward to growing the game by increasing the number of sponsorships and our target now is to attain ODI status in Jersey.” He said.
ODI status is a One Day International format of play where two teams from this status face off with a fixed number of overs (50 overs at the moment) lasting up to 9 hours.
The status, if attained by Uganda will come along with various benefits like better finances, richer associates and bigger viewership.
Alan is quite aware of the pressure that comes with his new assignment but believes it can be handled as foundations have been laid by his predecessor.
The new CEO had this to say amidst intimidations of not having a background in Cricket. “The Association that is going to govern the game is a cooperate entity like any other so the principles required are quite similar.”
“I am big on corporate governance structures of potential investors, internal controls, and report mechanisms,” he emphasized.
At the same event, outgoing CEO Martin Ondeko noted that it won’t be a walk in the park for Alan but the latter has what it takes to perform
“It’s not going to be that easy but you have what it takes,” Martin said as he handed over.
He further went on to say, “I have enjoyed my four years. We have had our successes and failures but we have learnt from them since there is still a lot to do and the ground has been set”.
Ondeko brags of managing to attain sponsors for the sport, professionalising the national side and heading back to the world cup through the Under-19 baby crickets during his reign.
He now leaves the association on a high as the cricket cranes are top of the League B table.
His biggest regret is failing to develop the sport at club level since that’s where the National Team sources players.
He however revealed nothing about his next move after 13 years of serving Uganda Cricket but wished UCA the best saying he will be around the game.
Also, present to oversee the reveal was UCA Chairman Michael Nuwagaba who thanked Martin for his service that pushed the Association miles.
