Kampala – August 20, 2025. Uganda Cricket Association has today confirmed the 14-player Victoria Pearls squad that will represent the country at the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, scheduled for August 31 to September 6 in Windhoek, Namibia.
The team has been wrapping up its non-residential preparations in Kampala and will enter a residential training camp on Monday, before flying out on August 29 for battle in Namibia.
Uganda, ranked 17th in the world, are drawn in Group B alongside Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The top two nations from the tournament will advance to the Global Qualifier – the final gateway to the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales.
Coach & Captain Speak
Coach Deus Muhumuza expressed optimism about the balance and depth of the squad:
“Malisa Ariokot and Irene Mutonyi are now on school holiday and available to play. We wanted them to balance school and cricket, because they also need the formal career. Naume Jane Amongin has been consistently performing well in her bowling all-rounder role. These three players all bring in their experience in contrasting style, skill, and fresh energy. We’re excited about how they will bolster the squad with their contributions.
As a team we have been training hard, fine-tuning our skills, game awareness and building team cohesion. Our goal is to qualify for the Global Qualifier. We’ll focus on executing our plans and capitalizing on our strengths.”
Captain Janet Mbabazi echoed the team’s readiness and welcomed debutant Naome Amongin:
“I think we are in a good place. The team has been working hard since the year began, using every game and training opportunity to improve ourselves and build our teamwork. I believe we are all pumped up and ready to do our best.
I am excited to have Naume on the squad. She has worked hard to get here and has a lot to contribute with her bowling. I believe she will do a good job.”
Squad – Victoria Pearls to Namibia (Aug 29 – Sept 7, 2025)
Proscovia Alako, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Consy Aweko Nimungu, Naume Jane Amongin, Stephanie Nampiina, Kevin Amuge, Esther Iloku, Sarah Akiteng, Ritah Musamali, Malisa Ariokot, Kevin Awino, Phiona Egaru Kulume, Janet Mbabazi (Captain), Irene Mutonyi
Uganda’s Fixtures – Group B (Windhoek, Namibia)
- 31 August 2025 – Tanzania vs Uganda, High Performance Oval
- 1 September 2025 – Rwanda vs Uganda, High Performance Oval
- 3 September 2025 – Kenya vs Uganda, Namibia Cricket Ground
Tournament Format
The Qualifier will feature eight teams divided into two groups. The top two from each group will progress to the semi-finals, with the finalists earning tickets to the ICC Global Qualifier. Uganda will need to navigate past tough opposition, including hosts Namibia and regional giants Zimbabwe, to achieve their dream of returning to the world stage.
Background
Uganda last qualified for the Global Qualifier in 2023 when they hosted the Africa Division One event in Entebbe and advanced alongside Zimbabwe. Although their campaign in Abu Dhabi, UAE yielded only one win (against USA), the team has since regrouped under new coaches Deus Muhumuza and Brian Masaba, determined to return stronger and remain a force in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup pathway.
#LycaConnectsCricket