Cricket Uganda has named a youthful but balanced Cricket Cranes squad for a build up tour to Namibia from March 16 to 26, marking the start of Uganda’s 2026 international season.
The tour will feature five matches, two T20s against Namibia A and three 50 over games, including two against the senior Namibian side, the Eagles. Namibia recently represented Africa at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India, providing Uganda with high level opposition ahead of a demanding year.
The series forms a key part of Uganda’s preparations for two major targets. The first is a push for One Day International status at the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B in August in Dar es Salaam. The second is qualification for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup through the Africa Sub Regional Qualifiers in Nigeria in October.
Uganda head into the August leg of Challenge League B unbeaten on 18 points, two clear of Italy. At least three wins would secure a top two finish and progression along the 2027 ODI World Cup qualification pathway.
Head of High Performance and Pathways Richard Okia said the Namibia tour arrives at the right time.
“Namibia will be a good challenge for us. We are preparing for Challenge League B, where we are looking to push into the ODI frame, while also building towards the Africa Regional T20 World Cup qualifiers in Nigeria.
“The squad reflects our intention to widen the pool while maintaining players who have been consistent and in form,” he said.
Acting head coach Jackson Ogwang said selection was guided by merit and discipline.
“We have rewarded players who have worked hard, maintained discipline and allowed their numbers to speak for them. We also welcome back some senior players who have earned their way back, alongside consistent performers who remain the backbone of this team,” Ogwang said.
“For those who have missed out, the door is not closed. Continued performance will always be rewarded.”
Captain Riazat Ali Shah leads a squad that blends experience with emerging talent. Senior players Simon Ssesazi, Uganda’s leading T20I run scorer, Kenneth Waiswa, who returns after a stint in the United Kingdom, and experienced pacer Bilal Hassun are back in the fold.
Three players earn senior debuts. Charles Musemeza has impressed with consistent batting and reliable wicket keeping over the past two seasons. Anas Baig topped the domestic run charts last season and carried that form into the recent Waterfalls Elite League and national trials. Gerald Olipa, captain of the Baby Cricket Cranes, arrives on the back of an MVP display in the Waterfalls Elite League where he scored 228 runs, including three half centuries.
Uganda open the tour with T20 matches on March 18 and 19 against Namibia A before shifting to 50 over cricket on March 21, 23 and 25.
Cricket Cranes squad: Riazat Ali Shah, Robinson Obuya, Simon Ssesazi, Anas Mirza Mirza Baig, Kenneth Waiswa, Cyrus Kakuru, Charles Musemeza, Juma Miyaji, Cosmas Kyewuta, Bilal Hassun, Henry Ssenyondo, Joseph Baguma, Mathew Musinguzi, Gerald Olipa.
