The Uganda Women’s Cricket team has officially announced their final 14-player squad ready to represent the nation at the inaugural ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in Thailand. This is not just a selection; it’s a confident statement of intent from a team hitting peak form, combining the wisdom of seasoned international players with the sheer energy of emerging talents. Led by the dependable all-rounder, Janet Mbabazi, the squad is poised to make a serious push for the title in this new and exciting T20 tournament.
The ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place from November 20 to November 30, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. All matches will be played in Bangkok across these two venues: Terdthai Cricket Ground and the Asian Institute of Technology Ground, showcasing these emerging teams fighting for growing stature in women’s cricket through a round-robin 28-match T20 format ending with final standings on November 30.
The eight teams competing in this inaugural Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy are Thailand, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Namibia, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, and Uganda.
The batting unit is anchored by a core of high-scoring veterans whose numbers speak to their consistency and firepower. Rita Musamali, a true centurion, leads the way with an impressive career tally of 1556 runs in 118 matches, including one century and two fifties with the best of 103*.
Close behind is Immaculate Nakisuuyi, another player with 1439 runs and a century to her name, proving their ability to build match-winning innings. Captain Janet Mbabazi herself provides a solid foundation with 1426 runs, making her the top order one of the most experienced in the tournament.
The bowling attack is equally formidable, built around the skill and guile of their senior spinners. The spin maestro, Concy Aweko, is the undisputed leader, holding a fantastic record of 133 wickets in 108 matches.
Her economy rate of just 3.72 is a testament to her control and ability to restrict opponents, making her an invaluable asset in the T20 format. Adding depth is captain Mbabazi with 114 wickets, while Sarah Aketeng rounds out the attack with 61 wickets and an impressive best of 5/14, ensuring Uganda have wicket-taking threats throughout the innings.
A crucial factor contributing to the team’s high morale is their scintillating run of form leading up to the tournament. In their recent five-match T20I series against Canada Women, held in October, Uganda delivered a commanding performance, securing a dominant 5-0 clean sweep.
These victories were comprehensive and varied: winning by 7 wickets in the opener, following it up with tense wins by 4 wickets and 18 runs, and then concluding with overwhelming victories by 43 and 12 runs in the final two matches.
This exceptional recent form serves as the perfect launchpad for their campaign in Thailand, which is set to begin on November 20 with a tough opener against Scotland, followed by matches against Namibia and Papua New Guinea.
Squad:
Janet Mbabazi, Esther Iloku, Kevin Awino, Ritah Musamali, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Stephanie Nampiina, Proscovia Alako, Malisa Ariokot, Consy Aweko, Sarah Aketeng, Kevin Amuge, Irene Mutonyi, Naume Amongin, Teddy Oyella
With a settled and confident squad that has delivered consistently high performances both with the bat and ball, the Ugandan women are to challenge for the inaugural trophy and further announce their presence on the global cricket stage.
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