Cricket Uganda has officially announced a strong 14-woman Victoria Pearls squad ahead of the 2026 Capricorn Series in Windhoek, Namibia.
The four-nation tournament, featuring hosts Namibia (Capricorn Eagles), Tanzania, Hong Kong, and Uganda, will feature official T20 International (T20I) action from July 21st to July 30th, 2026.
The technical team surprised many by naming four additions to inject fresh energy into the national side. Young stars Jimia Abdallah Muhammed and Asumin Akurut have been called up, while Phiona Egaru Kulume and Sarah Walaza make their return to the main squad. They fill the voids left by Kevin Amuge, Kevin Awino, Naume Amongin, and Sheila Namagoba, who were omitted from this selection.
Following weeks of intensive training, the team led by Head Coach Deusdedit Muhumuza and his assistant Brian Mark Masaba, both former Cricket Cranes stars, will jet out of the country this Saturday in search of glory.
“For the bowlers, we’ve worked on variations, understanding different field settings, and how to approach different batters. For the batters, it’s mainly been about the aggression index. We have tried to make sure the strike rate goes up, and all of our top six have surely put up their hands,” Muhumuza told Cricket Uganda.
Matches will be played across two premier venues, namely the HP Oval and the Namibia Cricket Ground, with the tournament running under the theme “Pad Up For Her.” This theme is a community-driven initiative by the Capricorn Eagles and Cricket Namibia to provide sanitary pads to young girls across the country.
On the field, the Victoria Pearls will be captained by the seasoned Janet Mbabazi, who has immense faith in her squad and is highly familiar with their opponents.
“Our main target as a team is to go and compete hard to get points on the board, but also to truly express ourselves and showcase our skills on this stage. The ladies have put in immense work to improve both their skills and game awareness, so I would love to see everyone excel and achieve some milestones.”
The Traveling Squad:
Janet Mbabazi (Captain), Ritah Musamali (Vice-Captain), Proscovia Alako, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Consylate Aweko Nimungu, Stephanie Nampiina, Esther Iloku (Wicketkeeper), Sarah Akiteng, Malisa Ariokot, Irene Mutonyi, Jimia Abdallah Muhammed (Wicketkeeper), Phiona Egaru Kulume, Asumin Akurut, Sarah Walaza
Team Officials:
Lelia Namaganda (Team Manager), Deusdedit Muhumuza (Head Coach), Brian Mark Masaba (Assistant Coach), Imam Tugume (Physiotherapist)
