Entebbe, Uganda – April 9, 2026: Cricket Uganda is pleased to confirm that the Easter Women’s T20 Cup bowls off this morning at the lakeside Entebbe Oval, with the Victoria Pearls returning to action against the visiting United States of America (USA) Women’s team.
The tournament, which runs until April 15, was initially designed as a tri-series featuring Nepal Women. However, due to logistical travel challenges, Nepal will not participate, leaving Uganda and USA to headline the competition alongside Uganda A Women.
Originally conceived as a developmental platform, the Easter Cup continues to serve its core objective – providing valuable match exposure and competitive opportunities for both emerging and elite players ahead of major international assignments.
Perfect stage for growth
Cricket Uganda Head of High Performance and Pathways, Richard Okia, emphasised the importance of the tournament in sharpening the national setup.
“These Easter Women’s T20 matches are a perfect stage to test our teams at a high level. For the Victoria Pearls, it’s about sharpening our edge and building winning momentum, while Uganda A Women gain invaluable exposure to fast-track their growth and confidence on the international stage,” Okia noted.
The Victoria Pearls are returning to competitive cricket after four months, having last featured at the ICC Women’s Emerging Trophy in Thailand, where they registered two victories against high-ranking opposition.
Disruptions and opportunity
Cricket Uganda had lined up a broader international engagement following Thailand, but global travel disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East affected scheduling and logistics.
Despite these challenges, the Easter WT20 Cup presents a timely opportunity to maintain momentum and prepare for upcoming international competitions, including the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy in Rwanda (April 16 – May 1, 2026).
The USA team is using this tour as part of their preparations for the Rwanda showpiece.
USA embracing challenge
USA captain Aditiba Chudasama welcomed the opportunity to compete in Uganda, highlighting the value of match exposure for her squad.
“The opportunity to play a series like this is a great way to prepare for the Challenge Trophy. Game time for the girls is extremely important, especially with new faces getting time in the middle,” she said.
Chudasama also pointed to the team’s growing cohesion and resilience:
“We are a young team, but our resilience is commendable. Our chemistry on the field has been amazing and we continue to support each other in the best way possible.”
On facing Uganda, she added:
“Uganda is an experienced side that has been playing together for a long time. It will be interesting to test ourselves against such a quality team, especially on their home turf.”
Pearls blend experience with youth
Victoria Pearls coach Deus Muhumuza, working alongside Brian Masaba, will use the tournament to assess combinations and integrate emerging talent.
Young all-rounder Sheila Namagoba is in line for her debut, reflecting the team’s commitment to succession planning.
“She is a young talent eager to learn. This environment will help her understand what it takes to perform at the highest level,” Muhumuza noted.
Uganda, currently ranked 17th globally, will be led by captain Janet Mbabazi, who impressed in Thailand as the team’s top scorer. Uganda A Women will be captained by bowling all-rounder Phiona Egaru Kulume.
The bowling unit for Mbabazi’s side will rely on the experience of the spinning trio of Immaculate Nakisuyi, Consy Aweko, Sarah Akiteng, young pacer Malisa Ariokot and experienced swing bowler Kevin Amuge.
Building toward Rwanda
For Uganda and USA, the series represents more than just competition — it is a strategic build-up towards upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) events.
Chudasama underlined her team’s broader ambitions:
“Bilateral series like this help us build match experience and refine our approach. We are developing a positive, brave and attacking brand of cricket, and this tour gives us a chance to strengthen that ahead of the Challenge Trophy.”
She also highlighted the growth of women’s cricket in the USA, citing strong performances at youth and senior men’s global qualifiers as signs of progress.
The build-up to the tournament gathered momentum on yesterday with a lively engagement at the U.S. Embassy in Nsambya, where Ambassador William W. Popp hosted the USA Women’s team, the Victoria Pearls, and Cricket Uganda officials.
The interaction, held as part of celebrations marking 250 years of the United States, offered a unique cultural exchange moment, with the ambassador even picking up a few cricket basics from the players, further strengthening ties between the teams ahead of the competition.
TOURNAMENT FIXTURES – ENTEBBE CRICKET OVAL
Today – April 9
10am: Uganda vs. USA
2pm: Uganda vs. Uganda A
Friday – April 10
10am: Uganda vs. Uganda A
2pm: Uganda A vs. USA
Sunday – April 12
10am: Uganda vs. Uganda A
2pm: Uganda vs. USA
Monday – April 13
10am: Uganda A vs. USA
2pm: Uganda vs. Uganda A
Wednesday – April 15
2pm: Uganda vs. USA
TEAM SQUADS
Uganda (Victoria Pearls):
Janet Mbabazi (C), Stephanie Nampiina, Ritah Musamali, Kevin Amuge, Esther Iloku, Proscovia Alako, Kevin Awino, Malisa Ariokot, Irene Mutonyi, Naume Amongin, Sarah Akiteng, Consylate Aweko, Sheila Namagoba
Uganda A Women:
Phiona Kulume (C), Giringish Nabulime, Jimia Mohammed, Lorna Anyait, Immaculate Nandera, Mary Namiiro, Sarah Walaza, Asumin Akurut, Hope Mbeiza, Patricia Malemikia, Joan Ilora, Sarah Tino, Michelle Ariago, Irene Alumo
USA Women:
Aditiba Chudasama (C), Ritu Priya Singh, Sainavi Kambalapalli, Gargi Bhogle, Nikhar Doshi, Isani Mahesh Vaghela, Pooja Ganesh, Jivana Aras, Maahi Madhavan, Lekha Shetty, Chetna Reddy Pagydyala, Taranum Chopra, Aparna Gurumurthy, Suhani Thadani
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