Uganda Announce 14-Player Squad for 2026 Victoria Series, Kampi Nainhabo Earns Maiden Call-Up

Uganda’s Victoria Pearls have announced a 14-player squad for the 2026 Victoria Series, scheduled at Entebbe Cricket Oval from November 6 to 14. The home side will meet Rwanda, Namibia and the USA, with Janet Mbabazi continuing as captain. Uganda enters as defending champions. The selection brings back Naume Amongin and Kevin Awino, who missed the Capricorn Series, and includes Australian-based batter Kampi Nainhabo, who is in line for her international debut.

Nainhabo is a 23-year-old right-handed batter who has developed through the Victorian domestic cricket pathway in Australia. Her experience includes the South East Bayside Breakers, the Cricket Victoria Female High Performance Academy and Melbourne Cricket Club. She has also appeared in Kookaburra Women’s Premier Cricket. Amongin, Awino and Nainhabo replace Phiona Egaru Kulume, Jimia Abdallah Muhammed and Irene Mutonyi, who travelled to Windhoek in July.

Uganda Women’s squad for Victoria series 2026:

Janet Mbabazi (C), Stephanie Nampiina, Proscovia Alako, Ritah Musamali, Esther Iloku, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Kevin Awino, Malisa Ariokot, Sarah Walaza, Naume Amongin, Consylate Aweko Nimungu, Sarah Akiteng, Asumin Akurut, Kampi Nainhabo

Reserves: Phiona Egaru Kulume, Lorna Anyait

Uganda’s recent results provide the background to its title defence. The Pearls swept Canada 5-0 in a five-match bilateral series from October 20 to 26, 2025. They then went unbeaten at the inaugural Easter Women’s T20 Cup in April 2026 at Lakeside Oval, Entebbe. Uganda began with a one-run victory over the USA, scoring 103/5 and limiting the opposition to 102/8. They finished with an 11-run win, after making 101/5 and bowling the USA out for 90.

Head coach Deus Muhumuza said the team had gained confidence in Namibia but was now preparing for the home competition. “The win in Namibia at the Capricorn Series final gave us great belief, but our focus is now on the Victoria Series. USA, Rwanda and Namibia are strong teams and will challenge us. The team is well prepared, and for us, success will be executing our plans consistently and playing fearless cricket in front of our home fans.”

Mbabazi welcomed the chance to host three teams and play competitive cricket at home. “We are excited to host the 3 teams in the Victoria series. As an athlete, you always want to play competitive games, so we are excited to have some good competition coming up.” She noted that Namibia had beaten Uganda twice in the Capricorn Series group stage. Uganda had played the USA earlier in 2026 and Rwanda in 2025.

Nainhabo said she was delighted by her selection. “I am extremely excited to have been selected to be part of the team. I think it’s an amazing opportunity.” She hopes to bring a positive attitude and love for cricket. Training has been difficult, but her teammates have supported her as she adjusts to the group and its intensity.

2026 Victoria Series Match Schedule

The Victoria Series will also prepare Uganda for the 2027 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier finals. The Pearls will defend their title against three visiting teams at Entebbe. With Mbabazi leading the side, the squad includes returning players and a potential international debutant. Their previous results against Canada and at the Easter Women’s T20 Cup now lead into this home competition.

Vishal Yadav

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