Uganda’s pathway to the 2026 ICC U19 Girls World Cup took a major step forward with the completion of a 10-day high-performance camp in Jinja that brought together 26 of the country’s brightest young cricketers.
Held from October 21 to 31 at Jinja Secondary School, the residential camp focused on sharpening technical, tactical, physical, and mental skills in preparation for next year’s qualifiers.
It also provided mentorship on leadership, discipline, and teamwork, seen as crucial in building resilience for international competition.
The players worked under coaches Robinson Turinawe and Jonathan Sebanja, with manager Sandra Achawo and physiotherapist Habiba Anguyo supporting the program.
Selection was based on performances in the domestic T20 League and the Girls Schools Cricket Week held in Gulu earlier this year.
Senior men’s national team players, the Cricket Cranes, also joined the camp for interactive sessions, offering guidance and helping bridge the gap between junior and senior levels. According to Head of High Performance, Richard Okia, the initiative was a clear investment in the future.
“The Jinja camp has been an eye-opener for both players and coaches,” Okia said. “We’ve seen progress in skills, but just as important is the confidence and professionalism the players have gained. This camp has set a strong foundation for the challenges ahead.”
Uganda’s U19 girls have come close to World Cup qualification in recent years, losing to Rwanda in the 2022 semi-finals in Botswana and to Zimbabwe in the 2024 semi-finals in Kigali. The camp represents a renewed push to finally break through.
Among the standout talents identified were batters Ilora Joan, Sheila Namagoba, Leila Nalukenge, and Prudence Lamara; spinners and all-rounders such as Sarah Tino and Blessing Noeline Apio; and pace bowlers Elizabeth Nakibuule, Hasifa Naula, and Jackline Lalam. Schools from across Uganda were represented, including Kilembe S.S., Olila High, Mukono Kings, Jinja S.S., and Nyakasura.
The camp closed with increased optimism as players showed stronger chemistry, improved self-belief, and a clearer sense of their roles ahead of team selection.
With the qualifiers less than a year away, Uganda Cricket Association believes this program has laid vital groundwork for a successful campaign.
