Ahead of the bowl-off of the High Performance Cup – 50 Overs Series 2026 in Entebbe, the focus shifts to a highly anticipated development tournament featuring Uganda U19, Rwanda U19, and the Uganda Emerging XI at the Entebbe Cricket Oval.
The series runs upto 29th May 2026, with all matches played in the 50-over format as teams continue adapting from the shorter T20 structure commonly used in school competitions. The tournament is designed to provide young players with extended match time, sharpen skills, and strengthen regional cricket development pathways.
Uganda U19 will open their campaign against Rwanda U19 at 10:00am in what is expected to be a competitive and closely contested start to the series.
The competition also serves as key preparation for both Uganda and Rwanda ahead of the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup Division Two Qualifiers scheduled for Kigali in August.
Speaking about the initiative, Head of High Performance and Pathways at Cricket Uganda, Richard Gideon Okia, emphasized the importance of sustained exposure in the longer format:
“This tournament is designed to give U19 players consistent game time in the 50-over format as they transition from school-level T20 cricket,”
Okia said.
He further highlighted the inclusion of the Uganda Emerging XI as a key development feature:
The inclusion of the Uganda Emerging XI is intentional. It provides an extra competitive edge for the young players and accelerates their development,
he added.
Okia also underlined the significance of regional participation in strengthening the game:
Rwanda’s involvement reflects the growing cooperation in regional cricket. It helps strengthen ties while giving players meaningful exposure and learning experiences,
he stated.
The tournament will conclude on 29th May 2026, wrapping up a week of high-intensity, development-focused cricket.
Uganda has hosted similar preparatory events in recent years, including the 2024 youth 50-over series in Jinja featuring Rwanda and Kenya U19, as well as a triangular U19 series at Lugogo involving Tanzania U19, reinforcing its commitment to regional youth cricket development.
FULL TOURNAMNET SCHEDULE
| Date | Fixture / Activity | Time |
| 24th May | Arrival of Rwanda & Training | – |
| 25th May | Uganda U19 vs Rwanda U19 | 10:00am |
| 26th May | Uganda U19 vs Rwanda U19 | 10:00am |
| 27th May | Rwanda U19 vs Emerging XI | 10:00am |
| 28th May | Uganda U19 vs Emerging XI | 10:00am |
| 29th May | Uganda U19 vs Rwanda U19 | 10:00am |
| 30th May | Departure | – |
SQUADS
RWANDA U19
Cedrick Yuzuzo, David Rukundo, Eric Hagenimana, Fabrice Kwizera, Elise Gihozo, Gilbert Itangishaka, Jasper Nziza Karoro, Jean Paul Rukundo, Jules Mugisha, Izere Bruce Mugisha, Onesme Kwizera, Patrick Iradukunda, Samuel Irakoze, Samuel Ndayishimiye
UGANDA U19
Abraiz Mir Ali, Ryan Agaba, Samue Ahaisibwe l, Jackson Asiku, Devansh Patel, Hamid Munigwa, Kenneth Isiko, Larry Itagi, Eric Mukisa, Felix Ochan, Kenneth Ogenrwot, Robert Owilli, Daniel Rubangakene, Ronald Rubangakene, Philemon Rwothomio, Richard Sohera
EMERGING XI
Nuwagaba Edwin (C), Amos Ahura, Aziz Tandia, Brian Asaba, Cyrus Kakuru (WK), Fortunate Alijuna, Jaffer Ochaya, Kasaija Enock, Keith Amani, Paul Mulongo, Johnathan Nyiiro, Pius Oloka, Perry Wazombe, Robert Ajuna, Simon Okecho