Giggles and melodies echo through a rural area in eastern Uganda as elderly women wield cricket bats, reshaping perceptions of ageing, health, and sports in later life.
Dubbed the “cricket grannies,” these women have bonded over their newfound passion for a game that has become a source of relief for age-related health issues, stress, and isolation.
Dressed in long garments and mostly barefoot, these women, ranging from 50 to 90 years old, convene weekly at a playground in Jinja district, located approximately 80 kilometers from Kampala.
Every swing of the bat elicits cheers from their teammates, transforming their Saturday morning practices into a vibrant spectacle.
Jennifer Waibi Nanyonga, 72, shared, “Since starting these exercises, my leg pain has disappeared, and I haven’t needed to see a doctor for my back issues for over a year.”
The initiative, which originated in 2025 with only ten grandmothers in Kivumbuka village, has since expanded exponentially.
Initially designed for children, the program shifted focus when cricket coach Aaron Kusasira observed that caregivers were unfamiliar with the game and discouraged the elderly women from participating.
“We engage in jogging, stretching, and other physical activities during our sessions,” explained Kusasira, 26, emphasizing the unintentional physical exertion the women experience while competing.
According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity poses a significant risk for noncommunicable diseases, especially prevalent among women worldwide, costing public health systems an estimated US$27 billion annually.
Apart from the physical benefits, cricket has fostered a strong sense of community among the Ugandan grannies, offering companionship and a platform for sharing and support.
“When at home, you’re often alone with your thoughts. These gatherings provide us with solace and the opportunity to uplift one another,” mentioned Patriciah, an elderly participant.
The weekly meetings have proven to be therapeutic for many, offering a space for sharing problems and offering mutual support, leading to a sense of renewal and lightness upon returning home.
For Coach Kusasira, training these women has been a fulfilling experience, allowing him to coach children in the area without opposition and witnessing the joy on their faces.
“Seeing smiles on the faces of both the young and the old makes it all worthwhile. It’s a day well spent,” he expressed.
