Girls’ cricket in Uganda continues to grow, and this year’s Girls Cricket Week reflects that progress with an increase in participating schools from 16 to 20.
Gulu City will host the tournament for the second year running, welcoming teams from six regions.
The rise in numbers highlights how the game is spreading across the country, with more schools investing in and embracing cricket.
Four schools will make their debut this year: St Theresa Girls SSS (Northern), St Cornelius SSS Kalagala (Central), Bwala SSS (Masaka), and Kasese SSS (Western).
Their inclusion adds fresh competition and new stories to the tournament.
In total, 45 schools took part in the qualification process, showing the growing depth of the sport.
Established sides remain strong, with eight time champions Jinja SSS and four time winners Gayaza High School once again securing their spots.
Defending champions Olila High School return as one of the favourites, but they face a serious challenge from Light SSS, who beat them in the regional finals.
Sacred Heart SSS and Masaka SSS, last year’s finalists, will also be chasing their first title after falling short against eastern teams.
Both sides will be looking to turn that experience into success this time.
Beyond the competition, the tournament remains a key pathway to the national team, the Baby Victoria Pearls.
With the ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup qualifiers coming later this year, strong performances in Gulu could earn players a place in Uganda’s squad.
