MUNYONYO, KAMPALA – Cricket Uganda successfully pitched camp at the 10th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE 2026), held at Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo from Thursday, 21st to Saturday, 23rd May.
The three-day exhibition saw Cricket Uganda tap into thousands of domestic and international travelers, showcasing the game as a premier vehicle for Ugandan tourism.
The vibrant Cricket Uganda exhibition booth became an instant hub of activity, drawing curious attendees who were introduced to the basics of the game and the deep, rich history of the sport in the country.
“POATE gave us a unique opportunity to introduce cricket to new audiences while showcasing Uganda as a destination where sport and tourism can grow together,” said Cricket Uganda CEO Evelyn Kabongerwa Shinyekwa.
A Commercial and Branding Success
The expo proved to be a major commercial triumph for the association. Fans and corporate visitors flocked to the stand to purchase authentic national team merchandise.
Cricket Uganda registered roaring sales for its official customised playing kits, wide-brimmed sunhats, and branded caps.
Beyond the numbers, the primary focus was on winning over the next generation of Ugandan cricket enthusiasts and building brand awareness.
“Our presence at POATE 2026 was highly intentional. Cricket is a powerful catalyst for sports tourism,” noted Honorary Secretary Denis Musali.
Every single year, international teams and cricket enthusiasts travel across continents to compete on our home soil. Concurrently, our own national flags are raised globally as our teams travel. This constant movement creates incredible opportunities for local hospitality, aviation, and cultural exchange. POATE provided the ultimate platform to visually connect those dots for stakeholders – Denis Musali
Riding a Wave of Global Momentum
“The achievements of our national teams have opened doors for Uganda on the global stage, and we are committed to using that momentum to attract more partners, fans and opportunities for the game,” Kabongerwa noted.
The showcase came at a time when Ugandan cricket is enjoying unprecedented global visibility.
The association proudly highlighted the monumental milestones of both senior national teams to international delegates:
- The Cricket Cranes (Men’s National Team): Who captivated the global sports community by historically qualifying for their maiden senior ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, competing in the West Indies and USA and securing a historic World Cup victory against Papua New Guinea.
- The Victoria Pearls (Women’s National Team): Who strongly represented the African continent at the high-stakes ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers in Abu Dhabi in April–May 2024.
Diplomatic Breakthroughs and Future Horizons
The expo’s high-performance visibility naturally paved the way for monumental diplomatic engagements.
Key among these was a strategic sidebar meeting with H.E. Dorothy Samalie Hyuha, the Uganda High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand, aiming to tap into Oceania’s vast cricketing infrastructure.
The High Commissioner expressed immense admiration for Cricket Uganda’s long-standing bilateral sports links – notably the 22-year development relationship with Australia’s Bankstown District Cricket Club and the subsequent high-performance support from New Balance Australia.
Looking ahead, the association’s leadership is aiming to translate this expo momentum into lasting structural growth.