Uganda’s senior women’s cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, will travel to Kigali, Rwanda this weekend to compete in the 11th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament, scheduled to begin next Wednesday at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium.
The 14-player squad will open its campaign against Cameroon on June 4, aiming not only to defend their title but also to build momentum ahead of the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers in Windhoek, Namibia. The tournament carries ICC T20I ranking points, with Uganda currently ranked 17th in the world.
Team captain Janet Mbabazi said the focus will be on strategy, mental toughness, and adapting to the demands of back-to-back matches.
“Rwanda is like our second home. We have fond memories there, and any opportunity to showcase our talents is welcome,” she said.
Head coach Deus Muhumuza noted that the team has been working on improving its batting approach, bowling discipline, and fielding agility.
“The team is physically and mentally in good shape after more than a month of preparations,” he said.
The squad features a blend of experienced players and promising young talent, including Teddy Oyella, Kevin Amuge, Proscovia Alako, and Sarah Tino. These additions were made following a decision by team management to allow student-athletes Irene Mutoni, Malisa Ariokot, Lorna Anyait, and Immaculate Nandera to focus on their academic responsibilities.
Uganda, a three-time champion and five-time finalist at the tournament, will face competition from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Cameroon, Brazil, Sierra Leone, and hosts Rwanda.
The annual tournament is held in remembrance of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, in which over one million people lost their lives.
Victoria Pearls Squad
Janet Mbabazi (Captain), Esther Iloku, Kevin Awino, Ritah Musamali (Vice-Captain), Immaculate Nakisuuyi,
Stephanie Nampiina, Proscovia Alako, Sarah Walaza, Consy Aweko, Sarah Akiteng, Kevin Amuge, Phiona Kulume, Teddy Oyella, Sarah Tino.
