Cricket Uganda has summoned 25 players to a national U-19 girls training camp in Jinja as preparations begin for the 2026 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division One Qualifiers in Tanzania.
The camp, which started on Sunday and runs until May 20, follows the conclusion of the Girls Schools Cricket Week in Gulu City, where several standout performers impressed scouts and selectors.
The qualifiers are scheduled to take place in Dar-es-Salaam from September 25 to October 5 and will determine Africa’s representative at the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup to be jointly hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.
Only 14 players will make the final squad from the ongoing residential camp, setting up intense competition among some of the country’s brightest emerging talents.
Recently crowned Girls Schools Cricket Week champions Light Secondary School are represented by Mercy Tracy Kongai, Sarah Tino and Joyce Mary Arugo, while finalists Olila High School have Joan Ilora, Josephine Icumor, Lucky Agwang and Divine Nyamer Gabriella included in the provisional group.
Tournament MVP Sonia Nampeera earned a call-up after starring for St John’s Secondary School Mukono during the competition. Best Bowler award winner Ritah Alio was also selected after finishing the tournament with 20 wickets.
Other schools represented in the camp include Jinja Secondary School, Sacred Heart Secondary School, Masindi Secondary School, Ndejje Secondary School, Masaka Secondary School and St. James Secondary School.
The selected players are Joan Ilora, Sheila Namagoba, Ritah Amono, Hanifa Noreen, Josephine Icumor, Angel Michelle Alanyo, Jackline Lalam, Mercy Tracy Kongai, Judith Nakasagga, Lucky Agwang, Sarah Tino, Divine Nyamer Gabriella, Blessing Noeline Apio, Sonia Nampeera, Mariam Birabawa, Petra Akidi, Anna Mary Kisa, Irene Mutonyi, Rashida Tikabula, Hasifa Naula, Nassuna Tahia, Asha Mukite, Joyce Mary Arugo, Peace Ninsiima and Ritah Alio.
Uganda will be aiming to build on the momentum from the schools tournament as the country seeks a place at the global showpiece in 2027.
