Uganda, who lost to Kenya in the final of last year's tournament, held in Uganda, turned the tables on their hosts yesterday clinching a tight 12 run victory to win the 2007 Championship.

Having won the toss and opted to bat, Uganda were able to keep the scoreboard ticking despite losing wickets at fairly regular intervals. Taban Emmanuel showed poise to lead the way with a well crafted 58 and received some support form Edgar Gidra (21) and Nadim Hirji (15) in helping Uganda set a total of 176 in their 40 overs. Harrison Ambani and Venkatesh Laxman both picked up a brace of wickets for Kenya.

In reply, Kenya were soon in trouble with the dangerous Emmanuel Bundi clean bowled for a duck by Timothy Erumuka off his second delivery. Fellow opener Naveed Najmi followed soon after for 13 and Kenya were feeling the pinch. Irfan Karim and Kennedy Owino once again combined to steady the ship, but unlike the previous day against Tanzania were not able to totally dominate.

Andrew Ochan broke the partnership when he had Karim caught and bowled for 24 and Owino followed shortly after for 20. Uganda were very much back in the driving seat, but a late flourish from Nikit Shah (33) and David Mumbo (19) brought Kenya close enough to scent an unlikely victory. It was not to be however as Shah was run out for a battling 33 before Henry Ssenyondo bowled Mumbo for 19 to put matters beyond doubt. Ugandan captain Andrew Ochan finished with Uganda's best bowling figures with 3/49.

Credit must go to Uganda for their deserved win, but it should also set alarm bells ringing with Cricket Kenya. If Kenya are going to continue to be the top Associate and even consider going beyond that, there has to be a strong youth set up that brings through quality players and provides them with the coaching and facilities to progress. Once the Zonal league is underway, this must become Cricket Kenya's top priority. It cannot be left up to clubs to bear the burden of youth development.