Kampala, Uganda – May 27 2025 | Uganda senior women’s cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, will travel to Kigali this weekend to participate in the 11th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament, which bowls off on Wednesday, June 3rd at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Rwanda.
Uganda, the defending champions will open their campaign against Cameroon on June 4, and are aiming to not only retain the title but also build momentum ahead of the 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.” Said Coach Deus Muhumuza.
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.
The annual tournament is held in remembrance of the victims of the 1994 Genocide,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
2014 Uganda
2015 Kenya
2016 Uganda
2017 Kenya
2018 Kenya
2019 Tanzania
2020 Not Held (Covid-19)
2021 Kenya
2022 Tanzania
2023 Rwanda
2024 Uganda
2025 ???
The semifinals are scheduled for June 13, with the final set for June 14.
