ENTEBBE – The road to the 2027 ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup officially enters a critical phase this week as the Uganda U19 Women’s team welcomes regional rivals Rwanda for the 2026 Women’s High Performance (HP) Cup.
With the visiting Rwandan contingent having arrived today, July 23, the stage is set for an intense five-match bilateral series at the scenic Entebbe Cricket Oval, running from Friday, July 24 to Tuesday, July 28.
Technical Team & Dugout Leadership
Guiding the side from the dugout for this series will be Coach Kakande Ivan, assisted by Victoria Pearls wicketkeeper and coach Kevin Awino.
The duo temporarily steps in to lead the technical bench in the absence of U19 Head Coach Brian Masaba, who is currently away on national duty with the senior women’s team, the Victoria Pearls, for the Capricorn T20I series.
The Road to Tanzania: A Regional Litmus Test
The High Performance Cup serves as a vital proving ground for the squad as they sharpen their tactical execution and build competitive mileage ahead of the all-important ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Tanzania from September 25 to October 5, 2026.
For both Uganda and Rwanda, this series is much more than a friendly bilateral contest; it is a direct dress rehearsal for the continental qualifiers.
In Tanzania, eight nations will battle for Africa’s lone coveted spot at the 2027 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup to be jointly hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.
The tournament field features hosts Tanzania, alongside Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and regional neighbours Kenya and Malawi – who recently progressed from the Division 2 Qualifier.
Facing a familiar and gritty Rwandan side allows the technical bench to simulate high-pressure scenarios, spin-heavy bowling attacks, and fielding intensity ahead of the Dar es Salaam campaign.
Tournament Format & Schedule
The series will test both the explosive power and the stamina of the young squads through a blend of short-form and extended limited-overs cricket.
The teams will compete in four T20 matches – including a demanding doubleheader on Saturday – before concluding the series with a 40-over contest on Tuesday to test endurance and longer-form crease occupation.
All matches will be played at the Entebbe Cricket Oval:
- Thursday, 23rd July: Team Arrival & Pre-Series Briefing
- Friday, 24th July: 1st T20 – 2:00 PM
- Saturday, 25th July: 2nd T20 – 10:00 AM | 3rd T20 – 2:00 PM (Doubleheader)
- Sunday, 26th July: 4th T20 – 2:00 PM
- Monday, 27th July: Rest & Recovery Day
- Tuesday, 28th July: 40-Over Match — 10:00 AM
Squad Depth & Player Selections
The technical staff has named a balanced 16-player squad for the HP Cup, rewarding consistent domestic performances while ensuring tactical versatility across batting and bowling disciplines.
Uganda U19 Women’s Squad for the 2026 HP Cup:
- Achieng Elizabeth
- Namagoba Sheirah
- Mukite Asha
- Rashida Tikabula
- Biribawa Mariam
- Ariago Mischel
- Namiiro Mary
- Naula Hasfa
- Shadia Giringish Nabuulime
- Nampeera Sonia
- Tino Sarah
- Nyamer Devine Gabriella
- Kongai Marcelina
- Arugo Joyce Mary
- Ilora Joan
- Icumar Josephine