Tournament Preview - Victoria Pearls Target Glory at 11th Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament in Rwanda

PRESS RELEASE
May 27, 2025. Uganda’s senior women’s cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, travels to Kigali this weekend May 31 to participate in the 11th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament, which bowls off on Wednesday, June 3^rd at the iconic Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Rwanda.

The selected 14-player squad of Uganda, the defending champions, will open their campaign against Cameroon on June 4, and are aiming to not only retain their title but also build momentum ahead of upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers in Windhoek, Namibia. The tournament carries ICC T20I ranking points, with Uganda currently ranked 17th in the world.

“We look to not only defend the title but also use this tournament as preparation for the qualifiers ahead and build confidence,” said captain Janet Mbabazi, who will once again lead the team. “Rwanda is like our second home. We have fond memories there and any opportunity to showcase our skills is always welcome. The team will focus on strategy, mental toughness, and adapting to the challenge of back-to-back matches.”

Coach Deus Muhumuza echoed her sentiments, highlighting the intensity of the preparation phase. “We’ve had a good 1.5 months of training to refine individual and team strategies,” he said. “We’re working on a more positive batting mindset, disciplined bowling, and agile fielding. The team is physically and mentally in good shape.”

The squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting new talent. New faces include:

• Teddy Oyella – a consistent wicket-taker with improved fitness and fielding.
• Kevin Amuge – a reliable opening bowler with an impressive economy rate.
• Sarah Tino – a promising off-spin all-rounder getting her first international exposure.
• Proscovia Alako – returns to test her T20I consistency.

These changes were necessitated by the decision of the team management to allow student-athletes Irene Mutoni, Malisa Ariokot, Lorna Anyait, and Immaculate Nandera to focus on catching up with their academic commitments.

Uganda Squad – Victoria Pearls                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Janet Mbabazi (Captain), Esther Iloku, Kevin Awino, Ritah Musamali (vice captain), Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Stephanie Nampiina, Proscovia Alako, Sarah Walaza, Consy Aweko, Sarah Akiteng, Kevin Amuge, Phiona Kulume, Teddy Oyella, Sarah Tino

The Victoria Pearls have a proud history in this event, having won it three times and finished second five times. With teams like Nigeria, Zimbabwe Emerging, and Rwanda in the mix, Uganda will be the hunted. “We aim to play fearless cricket and grow as a unit,” added Coach Muhumuza. “This is a crucial step in our journey.”

The annual tournament is held in remembrance of the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, during which over one million people lost their lives. Kwibuka – meaning “to remember” in Kinyarwanda – is more than just a sporting event; it is a unifying platform that promotes peace, healing, and reconciliation through cricket. It was launched in 2014 with just two teams as a bilateral series with Uganda and Rwanda, and has since grown into one of the most respected women’s cricket competitions on the continent.

This year’s event features nine nations: Rwanda, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Brazil, Cameroon, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe Emerging. The tournament has attracted global attention as a platform for emerging cricketing nations to showcase talent and nurture regional competition.

Tournament Format

The 2025 edition will be played in a single round-robin format, with all nine teams facing each other once. At the end of the league stage, the top four teams will advance to the semifinals, and the two winners from there will clash in the grand final to determine the All Glory Champion.

Past Champions

Uganda’s Fixtures at Kwibuka 2025 (EAT)

June 4, 2025 – Uganda Women vs Cameroon Women, 10:45 AM, Gahanga B Oval
June 5, 2025 – Uganda Women vs Zimbabwe Emerging Women, 10:30 AM, Gahanga Main Oval
June 6, 2025 – Uganda Women vs Sierra Leone Women, 10:45 AM, Gahanga B Oval
June 7, 2025 – Uganda Women vs Brazil Women, 10:30 AM, Gahanga Main Oval
June 8, 2025 – Uganda Women vs Malawi Women, 10:30 AM, Gahanga Main Oval
June 10, 2025 – Uganda Women vs Tanzania Women, 10:30 AM, Gahanga Main Oval
June 11, 2025 – Uganda Women vs Nigeria Women, 10:30 AM, Gahanga Main Oval
June 12, 2025 – Uganda Women vs Rwanda Women, 10:45 AM, Gahanga B Oval

The semifinals are scheduled for June 13, with the final set for June 14. As the Victoria Pearls embark on this campaign, the team has ambition to win and responsibility of honouring the legacy of the Kwibuka cause.

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