Uganda’s Victoria Pearls have departed for a stern Emerging Nations assignment in Thailand, a tournament organisers and players hope will recalibrate the nation’s standing in global women’s T20 cricket.
Veteran leg-spinner Consy Aweko, a calming presence in the camp, insisted the team leaves Kampala confident after a sequence of preparatory matches. “Our lead-up fixtures, including the Canada encounter in the Victoria Series, sharpened our rhythm,” Aweko said before the squad’s departure. “Every tour strengthens our conviction — each member contributes something important.”
A 20-strong delegation, comprising 16 players, two coaches and federation officials, touched down aware of the calibre of opposition ahead.
Uganda, currently ranked 18th, begin their campaign against world No.13 Scotland at the Terdthai Cricket Ground on November 20.
The Pearls’ schedule also features clashes with hosts Thailand, Netherlands, Namibia, UAE and Papua New Guinea; only Tanzania sit lower than Uganda in the tournament seedings.
With the ICC signalling expansion of T20 World Cup places by 2030, Uganda view the Thailand assignment as a practical platform to accumulate ranking points and forge momentum toward a potential maiden appearance on the global stage.
Squad balance mixes seasoned campaigners with fresh legs. Captain Janet Mbabazi heads the unit alongside experienced campaigners and newcomers such as Teddy Oyella, who earned her first senior cap at the Kwibuka tournament and replaces Phiona Kulume, now listed among the reserves.
The team received an official send-off at Lugogo Sports Complex, where NCS Deputy General Secretary (Technical) Milton Chebet and Sarah Chelangat joined officials to wish the Pearls well, a gesture that underscored national support for the venture.
Victoria Pearls squad
- Janet Mbabazi (captain)
- Esther Iloku
- Kevin Awino
- Ritah Musamali
- Immaculate Nakisuuyi
- Stephanie Nampiina
- Proscovia Alako
- Malisa Ariokot
- Consy Aweko
- Sarah Akiteng
- Kevin Amuge
- Irene Mutonyi
- Naume Amongin
- Teddy Oyella
Reserves: Jimia Mohammad, Phiona Kulume
Tournament fixtures (East Africa Time)
- Nov 20: Scotland vs Uganda — 9:45 AM, Terdthai Cricket Ground
- Nov 21: Uganda vs Namibia — 9:45 AM, Terdthai Cricket Ground
- Nov 23: Uganda vs PNG — 5:30 AM, Terdthai Cricket Ground
- Nov 25: UAE vs Uganda — 9:45 AM, Asian Institute of Technology
- Nov 26: Thailand vs Uganda — 9:45 AM, Asian Institute of Technology
- Nov 28: Uganda vs Tanzania — 9:45 AM, Asian Institute of Technology
- Nov 30: Netherlands vs Uganda — 9:45 AM, Terdthai Cricket Ground
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