Mt. Kilimanjaro held their nerve in a tightly contested final to defeat resilient Mt. Rwenzori and clinch the East African Safari T20 2026 title, sealing an 11-run victory at Florida Cricket Ground.
Final Result
Mt. Kilimanjaro vs Mt. Rwenzori
Toss: Mt. Rwenzori won the toss and elected to bowl
Mt. Kilimanjaro: 135/5 (20 overs)
Mt. Rwenzori: 124/8 (20 overs)
Result: Mt. Kilimanjaro won by 11 runs
Player of the Match: Collins Okwalinga
At Florida Cricket Ground, the tournament concluded with a thrilling final that showcased the competitive spirit of the East African Safari T20.
Batting first, Mt. Kilimanjaro posted a competitive 135 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Robert Owili set the tone early with a blistering 33 off just 12 balls, striking two fours and four sixes.
Collins Okwalinga anchored the innings with a composed 38 off 26 balls, while Raymond Kagera added 21 despite a slow start. Jovan Komagom (17*) also provided a steady finish to push the total to 135.
For Mt. Rwenzori, Lennox Muhanguzi was the standout bowler with an economical spell, picking up two wickets, while Tom Adupu, Hariom Dudharejiya, and Emmanuel Okwalinga chipped in with a wicket each.
Chasing 136, Mt. Rwenzori had a shaky start, losing early wickets that put them on the back foot. Twaha Bayiga and Bosco Akena fell cheaply, while Hariom Dudharejiya could not convert his start.
Hemant Hirani kept the chase alive with a fighting 55 off 58 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes. Emmanuel Okwalinga provided late momentum with an unbeaten 32 off 22 balls, raising hopes of a comeback.
However, regular wickets at crucial moments derailed the chase. Peter Ocen led the bowling attack with two wickets, while Komagom Jovan also picked up two scalps.
Collins Okwalinga delivered a crucial spell, conceding just 13 runs and claiming a wicket.
Despite a late push, Mt. Rwenzori fell short, finishing on 124 for 8 in their 20 overs.
The victory marked a strong return to form for Mt. Kilimanjaro, who held their nerve under pressure to emerge champions of the East African Safari T20 2026.
Post-Match Reaction
Speaking at the closing ceremony, tournament director Simon Kintu, who is also the chairman of Mukono Cricket Community, said:
It’s been 17 days of cricket action, and I am sure the best team won.
We are grateful to our sponsors and we thank Cricket Uganda for allowing us to run such a prestigious tournament.
These tournaments offer plenty of playing time to our young stars, and having them helps the young boys grow in cricket, especially those in our community schools.
We hope to continue holding more of these tournaments.
INDIVIDAUL AWARDS
Best Bowler: Hariom Dudhareijiaya (Mt Rwenzori)
Best Batter: Paul Emetu (Mt Karisimbi)
Best Wicket Keeper: Robert Owili (Mt Kilimanjaro)
Best Fielder: Solomon Lubwama Kigozi (Mt Rwenzori)
MVP– Conrad Lubwama (Mt Meru)
