The Victoria Pearls, Uganda’s national women’s cricket team, have announced a strong 14-player squad set to compete in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers from August 31 to September 6, 2025, in Windhoek, Namibia.
The side will be led by Janet Mbabazi and features an intriguing blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents. Key returnees like all-rounder Naume Jane Amongin, batter Malisa Ariokot, and rising bowler Irene Mutonyi bring youthful zest to a core group anchored by experienced names such as Proscovia Alako, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Consy Aweko Nimungu, and Kevin Awino.
Uganda finds itself in Group B with rivals Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Their journey begins with a match against Tanzania on August 31 at the High-Performance Oval. The stakes are high, as the top two teams will progress to the Global Qualifier, the final step before the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales.
The squad underwent a rigorous residential camp before their departure, aiming to regroup after the disappointments of the previous global qualifying campaign in Abu Dhabi.
Notably, the squad reflects both continuity and new strategies under new coaching leadership, as the Pearls bid to reaffirm their growing stature in African women’s cricket.
Before departing for Namibia on August 29, the Victoria Pearls will begin a residential training camp in Kampala on August 26. The team’s preparations have been thorough and well-planned. This focused approach under new coaches Deus Muhumuza and Brian Masaba reflects Uganda’s intent to blend fitness, tactical awareness, and a refreshed mindset following the setbacks of last year’s global qualifying campaign in Abu Dhabi.
The team, currently ranked 17th in the world, brings together experienced campaigners and fiery young talents, generating much optimism around their chances in Group B.
Uganda’s fixtures in Windhoek promise competitive cricket, with matchups against Tanzania on August 31, Rwanda on September 1, and regional rivals Kenya on September 3. For the Pearls, the tournament is not just about battles on the field but about reasserting Uganda’s ambitions as a rising force in African women’s cricket.
In order to maintain the hope of competing in the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, the top two teams will advance to the Global Qualifier. With fresh faces, Uganda’s squad brings strength in depth, skill, and the hunger to outshine their continental rivals.
Uganda Women’s squad for Africa Qualifier 2025:
Janet Mbabazi (C), Proscovia Alako, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Consy Aweko Nimungu, Naume Jane Amongin, Stephanie Nampiina, Kevin Amuge, Esther Iloku, Sarah Akiteng, Ritah Musamali, Malisa Ariokot, Kevin Awino, Phiona Kulume, Irene Mutonyi
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