Uganda’s ‘Cricket Grannies’ Redefine Ageing Through Sport

Jinja, Uganda – In a vibrant display of athleticism and community spirit, a growing group of women in eastern Uganda, aged 50 to 90, are challenging conventional notions of ageing through the sport of cricket. Known affectionately as the “cricket grannies,” these women are finding health, joy, and camaraderie on the cricket pitch, transforming their lives and inspiring others.

From Zero Experience to Cricket Enthusiasts

The initiative, which began in 2025 with just 10 grandmothers in the remote village of Kivubuka, has rapidly expanded to include more than tenfold that number. What started as a program aimed at children took an unexpected turn when cricket coach Aaron Kusasira noticed that the children’s caregivers lacked knowledge of the game and often discouraged their participation. He decided to involve the elderly women, fostering a novel passion for cricket within the community.

Health and Wellbeing Benefits

The impact of the cricket grannies extends far beyond the playing field. Participants report significant improvements in their physical and mental wellbeing. Jennifer Waibi Nanyonga, 72, shared, “With the exercises I’ve been doing, my legs used to hurt, but they no longer do.” She also noted that she went an entire year without needing to see a doctor for back pain, a condition that previously required regular medical attention. Gulf News reports that the weekly cricket sessions help the women manage age-related health conditions, stress, and loneliness.

A Lively Spectacle and Community Building

Each Saturday morning, the cricket grannies gather at a playground in Jinja district, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Kampala, for practice. Clad in floor-length dresses and often barefoot, they transform the field into a lively spectacle, with every swing of the bat met with cheers from teammates. The New Indian Express highlights the growing love of the game and the strong bonds formed among the women.

Training and Activities

The sessions, led by 26-year-aged coach Aaron Kusasira, incorporate a variety of physical activities. “We come here, we jog, we move around, we do some stretches,” Kusasira explained. The women also engage in cricket drills, unknowingly benefiting from the cardiovascular exercise involved in running between the wickets. Cricket World emphasizes the unexpected physical benefits of the sport for the participants.

Fighting Lifestyle Diseases

The initiative is also seen as a proactive approach to combating lifestyle diseases. By promoting physical activity and social interaction, the cricket grannies are empowering themselves to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. The Jamaica Observer notes the grannies’ efforts to fight lifestyle diseases through sport.

Key Takeaways

• The “cricket grannies” are a group of Ugandan women aged 50-90 who have embraced cricket for its health and social benefits.
• The initiative began in 2025 and has grown significantly, fostering a strong sense of community.
• Participants report improvements in physical health, including reduced pain and a decreased necessitate for medical intervention.
• The program highlights the importance of accessible and inclusive sports for all ages.