At the Lugogo Cricket Oval, the sound of bat meeting ball carries more than routine, it carries resolve. For the Victoria Pearls, every swing and catch signals a fresh start.
After a bruising campaign in Namibia, where one narrow semifinal defeat against Tanzania dissolved their ICC Africa Qualifier hopes, Uganda’s women’s cricket team returns home with something to prove, not to critics but to themselves.
“This is about finding our rhythm and consistency as a team again,” says Assistant Coach Brian Masaba. “The girls know what’s at stake confidence, pride and the hunger to compete.”
That hunger will be tested in a five-match T20I series against Canada starting Monday at Lugogo.
It’s a reset, a chance to rebuild ahead of the inaugural ICC Women’s Emerging Trophy and remind fans that the Pearls still belong among the elite.
Picking up the pieces
Uganda’s exit in Namibia stung deeper than most realized.
In a cutthroat qualifier where one loss could end everything, the Pearls stumbled against Tanzania and their dream evaporated.
The disappointment was overshadowed by the Cricket Cranes’ World Cup heartbreak and their coach’s exit but for the Pearls, the hurt lingered.
Now, under coaches Deus Muhumuza and Brian Masaba since early 2025, the team is focused on renewal. This isn’t just about winning games, it’s about restoring belief.
Let the batters breathe again
Batting has long been Uganda’s tightrope, flashes of brilliance mixed with moments of panic. In Namibia, the fear of failure choked creativity.
This home series offers rare freedom to swing, build and even fail. Skipper Janet Mbabazi, Proscovia Alako, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Rita Musamali and Stephanie Nampiina will be key to setting the tone.
If they find their rhythm early, the rest will follow, and the Pearls’ batting might finally breathe again.
Turning control into chaos
Bowling has always been Uganda’s strong suit tidy, disciplined, consistent. But neat isn’t enough anymore. The best bowlers turn control into chaos.
With Irene Mutoni and Malisa Ariokot missing due to school exams, new faces step in and It’s a challenge
With debuts in the 2025 Kwibuka tournament in Rwanda, a young Sarah Tino, Teddy Oyella not forgetting Naume Jane Amongin who featured in Namibia, now brought in for Phiona Khulume, all carry that challenge to convert pressure into wickets and dot balls into panic. Canada’s visit offers the perfect test.
On their backs will be experienced figures Consy Aweko, Nakisuuyi, Nampiina and Musamali with Sarah Akiteng and Kevin Amuge in the mix to offer that balance depending on the nature of the game.
Bringing back the spark in the field
If bowling is Uganda’s backbone, fielding is its heartbeat. But in Namibia, that pulse faltered dropped catches, misfields, small moments that cost big like knowing who to bat or bowl in the right moments.
To reclaim their edge, the Pearls must reignite their trademark energy the dives, the shouts, the spark that once made them Africa’s most dynamic side, something that Tanzania has taken up of late.
In modern cricket, ten runs saved in the field can win a match. For the Pearls, that energy could define their comeback.
Every debut brings fresh ambition. And for the coaches, it’s a chance to test the team’s depth.
“Everyone has something to prove,” says a member of the technical staff. “That competition keeps us sharp.”
Beyond the scoreboard
This series isn’t just about runs and wickets, but seeing how far the preparations have been taken in and also regaining that lost belief. The kind that was shaken, but never broken.
A strong showing against Canada could reignite faith within the Uganda fans.
The first ball is bowled on Monday morning and the final over on October 26.
Schedule for series 👇🏻
