When Uganda hosts the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier next month, it will mean more than runs and wickets.
For Lelia Namaganda, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, the tournament is about belief in young women, in Uganda’s ability to deliver, and in the future of African cricket.
“This tournament is more than a competition,” Namaganda said ahead of the March 6–15, 2026 event in Entebbe.
“It is a platform to inspire young women, showcase Uganda’s organisational strength, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing women’s cricket across Africa. We look forward to welcoming teams from across the continent and delivering an event that reflects our passion for the game and our vision for its future.”
Uganda will host five nations Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Cameroon in a 10 day contest for two places in Division 1, set for later this year in Tanzania.
Division 1 will feature the region’s higher-ranked sides and offers a direct pathway to the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and Nepal. For the young players heading to Entebbe, the road to the global stage begins here.
But the impact goes beyond qualification. By hosting the tournament, Uganda strengthens its position as a leader in women’s cricket on the continent.
Preparations have focused on quality facilities, fan engagement and strong sponsor presence, all aimed at delivering a memorable sporting occasion.
Evelyn K.B. Shinyekwa, Tournament Director and Acting CEO of Cricket Uganda, called it a landmark moment.
“Hosting this qualifier is a milestone for Cricket Uganda and for women’s cricket in Africa,” she said.
“It shows our capacity to stage international events and our commitment to creating opportunities for young women in sport. This tournament is about building pathways, inspiring future leaders and positioning Uganda as a trusted hub for cricket development.”
The competition will follow the fast-paced T20 format, which gave emerging talent the perfect stage to shine and perhaps inspiring the next generation watching from the stands.
