Uganda’s senior women’s cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, will travel to Kigali this weekend determined to defend their title at the 11th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament, which starts June 3 at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium.
The Pearls, who lifted the trophy in 2024 to claim their third Kwibuka title, open their campaign against Cameroon on June 4.
With ICC T20I ranking points at stake and preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup Africa qualifiers underway, Uganda will look to use the tournament as both a test and a springboard.
They are currently ranked 17th in the world.
Head coach Deus Muhumuza believes the team is in strong shape after six weeks of focused training.
“We’ve worked on a more fearless batting approach, disciplined bowling, and sharper fielding,” he said.
Captain Janet Mbabazi added that Rwanda feels like a second home and the team is embracing the challenge of back-to-back games.
The squad features a mix of experience and new talent.
Debutants Sarah Tino, Kevin Amuge, and Teddy Oyella join returnee Proscovia Alako in a team led by core players like Mbabazi, Ritah Musamali, and Kevin Awino.
Four student-athletes were excused to concentrate on their academics.
This year’s event features nine teams, including Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe Emerging, Brazil, Malawi, and Sierra Leone.
All teams will play each other in a round-robin format, with the top four advancing to the semifinals on June 13. The final is set for June 14.
Uganda has a proud history in the tournament, with three titles and five runner-up finishes. Kenya has the most wins (4), while Tanzania (2) and hosts Rwanda (1) have also tasted success.
The annual event, launched in 2014, honours the memory of the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi and promotes peace through cricket.
