Gerald Olipa and Charles Musemeza were the difference as the Cricket Cranes powered past Sierra Leone at the Gahanga B Oval in Kigali, Rwanda.
Both fell short of centuries as Musemeza scored 89 while Olipa put 83 runs on the scoreboard, giving the Cricket Cranes a commanding start to their ILT20 Continent Cup title defense with a 114-run victory.
Uganda finished with 250 for 3 in their 20 overs before restricting Sierra Leone to 136 for 4. Musemeza anchored the innings with 89 off 57 balls, striking eight fours and five sixes.
Robinson Obuya also made an important contribution at the top of the order with 37 from 20 balls, helping Uganda recover quickly after losing Anas Baig for a duck in the first over when he edged behind to the wicketkeeper.
Sierra Leone’s chase was led by Alusine Turay, who made a spirited 78 from 50 balls, but Uganda’s bowlers maintained control throughout.
Ugandan pacer Juma Miyagi returned figures of 2 for 18 while vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa claimed 2 for 20 as Sierra Leone finished on 136 for 4 from their 20 overs.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah and vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa provided crucial experience, while Musemeza, Obuya, and Olipa supplied the attacking intent that ultimately separated the two sides.
Waiswa led with the ball while Riazat smashed an unbeaten 32 from only eight deliveries as Uganda collected 46 runs from the final two overs.
Uganda returns to action tomorrow morning when they face Botswana in their second league match of the tournament.
