Fresh Ambition
Uganda have named a youthful, new-look Cricket Cranes squad as the two-time champions prepare to defend their ILT20 Continental Cup crown in Kigali, Rwanda, from September 1–13.
LUGOGO, AUGUST 25: Uganda has unveiled a new-look Cricket Cranes squad for the third edition of the ILT20 Continental Cup, with the defending champions turning to a blend of experience and emerging talent as they begin preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Nigeria scheduled for October 18-25.
The tournament will run from September 1–13 in Kigali, Rwanda, with eight nations — hosts Rwanda, Kenya, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda — competing in a single round-robin league.
The top four teams will progress to the semi-finals, with the winners advancing to the final on September 13 at the Gahanga Main Oval, where the 2026 champion will be crowned.
Uganda enters the tournament as the two-time defending champion, having won the inaugural edition in Nairobi in 2023 before successfully defending the title in Kigali in 2024. The competition was not held in 2025.
A fresh T20 look
Following the Cricket Cranes’ demanding 50-over campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B finale in Dar es Salaam, the selectors have made significant changes as Uganda switches back to the shorter format.
Seven emerging players who have already been exposed to the national setup, including during Uganda’s tours of India and Namibia earlier this year, have earned selection as the technical team looks to broaden the country’s T20 player pool.
Convenor of Selectors Nehal Bibodi said the squad was selected on the basis of recent performances, discipline and the players’ potential to contribute to Uganda’s future.
“The team is selected on the basis of their performance, particularly in the last few tournaments, and also on their behaviour and discipline,” Bibodi said.
“We have selected a little younger side, so we are looking into the future. It is a combination of the senior side at the same time with very promising young players.”
Bibodi has set an uncompromising target for the group in Kigali.
“We are expecting this team to do well in the tournament — nothing less than winning the tournament — and I’m confident they are going to do it well.”
Youth meets experience
Riazat Ali Shah and Kenneth Waiswa have been retained as captain and vice-captain. The squad also provides opportunities for a number of players who have been knocking on the door of senior international cricket, while experienced players remain central to the team’s plans.
Head coach Steve Tikolo said the short turnaround demands clarity, efficiency and a sharp focus on T20-specific skills.
“We want to work quickly and hone our T20 skills in this short time. We want to be smart when we go to play in Kigali,” Tikolo said.
“We have to polish the skills and mindset of our players. It is about preaching to the batters to take responsibility.”
Tikolo also believes the tournament provides an important platform for Uganda’s emerging players.
“The quality we have in our setup is going to have the exposure, and it is time for the younger guys to put up their hands and show that they want to play for Uganda.”
Kigali as a launchpad
For captain Ali Shah, the tournament represents both a title defence and an opportunity to assess how the new-look group adapts to the demands of T20 cricket.
“The team looks good and it is full of young, energetic and talented guys. I am excited to see how this team will perform in Rwanda,” Ali Shah said.
The captain said the group has already begun discussing the challenge of moving from the 50-over format to T20 cricket.
“We have had a solid chat as a team and we would like to see how the team adjusts from the 50-over format in Tanzania to the T20 code in Rwanda.”
Beyond Kigali, Ali Shah sees the Continental Cup as part of a bigger preparation plan.
“We are also planning forward and want to see how we shape up as we are also using this as our preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Nigeria later this year.”
The title defence begins
Uganda will open its campaign on September 3 against Malawi at the Gahanga B Oval, before facing Nigeria, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Botswana, Kenya and Rwanda during the league phase.
The format leaves little room for complacency, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals on September 12.
The two semi-final winners will meet in the final on September 13 at the Gahanga Main Oval.
Uganda’s objective is clear: retain the trophy and use the tournament to sharpen a new generation of Cricket Cranes for the next major T20 challenge.
The new players and new combinations will without doubt carry the same ambition.
UGANDA – ILT20 CONTINENTAL CUP SQUAD
Riazat Ali Shah (captain), Kenneth Waiswa (vice-captain), Charles Musemeza (wicketkeeper), Cyrus Kakuru (wicketkeeper), Gerald Olipa, Juma Miyaji, Cosmas Kyewuta, Enock Kasaija, Fahad Mutagana, Joseph Baguma, Matthew Musinguzi, Anas Baig, Robinson Obuya and Ronald Lutaaya.
Reserves: Robert Owili, Pius Oloka
UGANDA’S FIXTURES
Date Time Opponent Venue
Sept 3 09:30 Malawi Gahanga B Oval
Sept 4 14:00 Nigeria Gahanga B Oval
Sept 5 14:00 Tanzania Gahanga B Oval
Sept 7 14:00 Sierra Leone Gahanga B Oval
Sept 8 14:00 Botswana Gahanga B Oval
Sept 9 09:30 Kenya Gahanga B Oval
Sept 11 13:30 Rwanda Gahanga Main Oval
Knockout phase
Sept 12 — Semi-final 1: 1st vs 4th
Sept 12 — Semi-final 2: 2nd vs 3rd
Sept 13 — Final: Winners of Semi-final 1 vs Semi-final 2
Venue: Gahanga Main Oval & Gahanga B Oval.
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