KAMPALA – The Uganda U19 Women’s national team, the Baby Victoria Pearls, has officially entered a residential camp today in Kololo as preparations step into high gear for the upcoming ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier.
Running through 27th August 2026, the nine-day preparatory camp will focus on fine-tuning tactical execution, middle-overs management, and match fitness before the squad departs for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where the regional showpiece will take place from 28th August to 6th September 2026.
Uganda faces a demanding test in Tanzania, going toe-to-toe against a formidable lineup of regional rivals: Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Namibia, Kenya, Malawi, and hosts Tanzania.
With a single qualification spot for the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup on the line, every fixture will demand absolute precision and consistency.
The 16-player squad enters camp with clear momentum following a stellar showing at the 2026 High Performance Women’s Series against Rwanda U19 late last month at the Entebbe Cricket Oval.
The Baby Victoria Pearls dominated the short format, securing an emphatic 4-0 T20 clean sweep:
- Match 1: Defended 92/8, skittling Rwanda out for 47 to win by 45 runs.
- Match 2: Posted a series-high 111/5 before dismantling Rwanda for 48 to seal a 63-run win.
- Match 3: Showed composure under pressure, defending 109/6 to edge out a 5-run victory.
- Match 4: Showed chasing grit to reach 86/7 and claim a 3-wicket win.
While Rwanda picked up a consolation win in a final, non-series 40-over practice match – despite a standout 66 off 91 balls from Mary Namiiro and a resilient 32 off 38 from Joan Ilora – Uganda’s short-format dominance showcased tactical depth across every phase of the game.
Guided by Head Coach Brian Masaba and Assistant Coach Ivan Kakande, the coaching setup has assembled a squad anchored by high-performing talent:
Sarah Tino: Named the High Performance Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) after topping the overall rankings with 246 points, capped by a standout 4/31 bowling spell in Entebbe.
Asha Mukite: Named the series Best Bowler after leading the tournament with 8 wickets, consistently breaking opening partnerships and controlling the powerplay.
Mary Namiiro & Joan Ilora: Key middle-order anchors who displayed their ability to rebuild under pressure during an 84-run third-wicket stand in recent outings.
The 16-Player Squad in Camp
- Jimia Muhammad
- Shadia Nabulime
- Mary Namiiro
- Elizabeth Achieng
- Rashida Tikabula
- Sarah Tino
- Mischell Ariago
- Asha Mukite
- Irene Mutonyi
- Sheirah Namagoba
- Mariam Biribawa
- Blessing Apio
- Joan Ilora
- Devine Nyamer
- Hasfa Naula
- Sonia Nampeera