The Victoria Pearls, Uganda’s national women’s senior cricket team, has been flagged off to Namibia for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Global Qualifiers. The team was bid farewell at the National Council of Sports (NCS) in Lugogo on Thursday morning and will depart for Windhoek on August 29, 2025, via Uganda Airlines.
Uganda, ranked 17th in the world, is drawn in Group B alongside Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The top two teams 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. The Victoria Pearls will face tough competition, including hosts Namibia and regional giants Zimbabwe.
The Victoria Pearls will begin their campaign against Tanzania on August 31, 2025, followed by matches against Rwanda on September 1 and Kenya on September 3. The team is led by Captain Janet Mbabazi and coached by Deus Muhumuza and Brian Masaba.
Coach Deus Muhumuza expressed optimism about the team’s balance and depth, highlighting the contributions of players like Malisa Ariokot, Irene Mutonyi, and Naume Jane Amongin. Captain Janet Mbabazi welcomed debutant Naome Amongin and emphasized the team’s readiness and determination to qualify for the Global Qualifier.
The Victoria Pearls squad for the tournament includes: 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) and Irene Mutonyi. The team is set to return on September 7, 2025, after the tournament.
