Under the warm Vitamin D giving sun of Rwanda, anticipation builds for the 11th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament, an event that has grown into one of the most emotionally resonant and competitively fierce cricket tournaments on the African continent.
At the heart of the buzz is Uganda’s national women’s cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, the defending champions with their eyes set on making history.
No team has ever defended the Kwibuka title since its inception and Uganda is hoping to be the first. Having lifted the trophy three times, only behind Kenya’s record four, the Pearls are ready to defy the odds.
Led by the composed and determined Janet Mbabazi, the team is setting its sights on a landmark tournament.
“We have faced almost each of the sides here and nearly know what to expect. Therefore, we shall bring our best,” said Mbabazi, who will once again captain the squad.
“I am aware that no side has ever defended the tournament, but on our side as defending champions, we shall take it game by game.”
The 2025 edition will follow a single round-robin format. All nine participating nations will face off once, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals before the grand final determines the new or possibly returning champion.
Uganda will begin their campaign on Wednesday, June 4th against a spirited Cameroon side. But the tournament kicks off a day earlier on June 3rd, with the rest of the teams springing into action as the Victoria Pearls watch on, eyes keen, minds focused.
The competition will not be a walk in the park. Host nation Rwanda are notoriously difficult to beat at home. Nigeria, an ever-ambitious side from West Africa, have always had their sights on upsetting the Ugandans.
Tanzania, Zimbabwe’s Emerging Team, Malawi, and the debuting Sierra Leone all bring their own brand of firepower.
Yes, you read that right Sierra Leone are here for the first time. For Brazil, from South America, they are returning for a second time to Africa, their presence speaks volumes about the global growth of the women’s game. They’re not just here to participate, they’re here to compete.
This year’s Victoria Pearls squad has blended its experienced core that holds Consy Aweko, Assistant Captain Rita Musamali, Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuyi etc with a trio of exciting debutants.
Among them is Teddy Oyella, a seasoned all-rounder from the Tornado Bees who has lit up Uganda’s domestic scene.
“I am happy that I am making my debut on the team, I think it was recognition of my efforts domestically,” she told Nnalubaale Sports.
“I managed to make it to the first 14 and I’m hoping to bring an all-round experience.”
Then there’s Sarah Tino, a star of the recently concluded Girls Schools Cricket Week. Tino scooped both Best Bowler and Best Fielder accolades, and although her school didn’t win the tournament, she earned something more, a national team call-up.
“It is my first time to play for Uganda, something that excites me. I’m going to do my best,” she said.
Completing the debutant trio is Kevin Amuge, a name that resonates in Ugandan cricketing circles. Coming from a family steeped in national cricket tradition, her inclusion is both a continuation and a promise.
“I’m glad to be in the team,” she told Nnalubaale Sports. “I’m here to do my best and put into action what we’ve been practicing.”
Beyond the trophy, Uganda has even bigger aspirations. The Kwibuka tournament is an important stepping stone that will help them build confidence towards the T20I Global Qualifiers scheduled for August.
Head Coach Dues Muhumuza and his technical team are not just chasing wins they’re building momentum.
Facing off against probable qualifier opponents like Tanzania and Nigeria in Kigali gives the Pearls a perfect opportunity to size up the competition and sharpen their edge.
As the curtain rises on this emotionally charged tournament held in memory of victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, Uganda will carry more than just cricketing ambition.
They carry legacy, pride and the hope of making history. Will the Victoria Pearls finally break the Kwibuka curse and defend their crown?
Uganda’s Fixtures at Kwibuka 2025 (EAT)
- June 4 – Uganda Women vs Cameroon Women | 10:45 AM |Gahanga B Oval
- June 5 – Uganda Women vs Zimbabwe Emerging Women | 10:30 AM | Gahanga Main Oval
- June 6 – Uganda Women vs Sierra Leone Women | 10:45 AM | Gahanga B Oval
- June 7 – Uganda Women vs Brazil Women | 10:30 AM | Gahanga Main Oval
- June 8 – Uganda Women vs Malawi Women | 10:30 AM | Gahanga Main Oval
- June 10 – Uganda Women vs Tanzania Women | 10:30 AM | Gahanga Main Oval
- June 11 – Uganda Women vs Nigeria Women | 10:30 AM | Gahanga Main Oval
- June 12 – Uganda Women vs Rwanda Women | 10:45 AM | Gahanga B Oval
