The Victoria Pearls travelled to Thailand with a simple, refreshing mission, test their limits, play without fear, and collect as many points as they can at the first ever ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy.
For a team often weighed down by rankings and qualification pressure, this tournament finally offers something rare, freedom.
This new ICC event brings together nations ranked 11th to 19th in the world (minus Zimbabwe), giving Uganda valuable matchups they rarely get outside cut throat World Cup Qualifiers.
Instead of the usual one-off chances against top sides, the Pearls now have a round-robin format built for experience, learning and growth.
Ranked 18th globally, Uganda enters with everything to gain. Only Tanzania sits below them, and even that ranking masks recent losses Uganda suffered to their rivals in Namibia. But in Thailand, the slate is clean.
Head coach Deus Muhumuza says the goal in Thailand is straightforward, measure progress and push the team further.
“This tournament gives us a proper gauge of exactly how far we’ve come and how far we are,” he said at the team’s flag-off.
“We’ve had enough game time, enough simulations. Now it’s time to test ourselves.”
His squad includes fresh faces who missed the Abu Dhabi qualifiers, Kevin Amuge, Naume Amongin, Teddy Oyella and Irene Mutonyi, all selected on form.
“You perform, we give you a chance,” he added, highlighting Oyella’s rise over the past two seasons.
Uganda’s bowling has been its backbone, but Muhumuza admits the team has sometimes “choked itself” with the bat.
A 5–0 sweep of Canada showed steps forward, but stronger, more experienced opponents await in Bangkok.
“Get as many points as we can,” he said. “It’s T20 cricket, we’re prepared and up for the challenge.”
Uganda opens on November 20th at 5:30 AM EAT against Scotland, the tournament’s highest-ranked team at No. 11.
Their two previous meetings were tough: Uganda were bowled out for 43 in 2018, and in 2024 Scotland piled on 161/3 before dismissing the Pearls for 52.
Scotland arrive red-hot after sweeping a quadrangular series, stunning West Indies at the World Cup Qualifier, and nearly upsetting Ireland thanks to a Kathryn Bryce masterclass.
Uganda have only managed one training session after arriving in Thailand, but carry confidence and improved form.
The team will rely heavily on Esther Iloku, Janet Mbabazi, Rita Musamali and captain Consy Aweko.
Mbabazi summed up the team’s spirit before departure;
“It’s a high quality tournament, and we’re excited to compete. The plan is to do our best and hopefully finish in the top four. We trust our process and express ourselves.”
She also stressed the importance of supporting young talents like Malisa Ariokot and Irene Mutonyi, who return after missing the Canada Series for school.
For once, Uganda is not under regional pressure or guarding ranking points. Apart from the fixture against Tanzania, every match carries potential upside, a chance to climb and close the gap on stronger teams.
Uganda will also meet PNG (13th) for the first time ever, along with Namibia, Netherlands, UAE and Thailand, sides that have tested them in the past but have equally contributed to their growth.
With Evelyn Anyipo, Sarah Walaza and Phiona Kulume unavailable, new combinations and new roles will naturally emerge.
Above all, the Emerging Nations Trophy gives Uganda what it has long lacked consistent games, exposure, and room to experiment without qualification fear looming.
Seven matches guarantee seven opportunities, to stretch themselves, bat with freedom, and test their bowling against some of the most disciplined lineups in this tier.
The Victoria Pearls open against Scotland on November 20th and close against Tanzania on November 30th. Between those dates lies their true mission.
Victoria Pearls Squad in Thailand
Janet Mbabazi (Captain), Esther Iloku, Kevin Awino, Ritah Musamali, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Stephanie Nampiina, Proscovia Alako, Malisa Ariokot, Consy Aweko, Sarah Akiteng, Kevin Amuge, Irene Mutonyi, Naume Amongin, Teddy Oyella
Reserves: Jimia Mohammad, Phiona Kulume
Tournament Fixtures (EAT)
• Nov 20: Scotland vs Uganda – 9:45am, Terdthai Cricket Ground
• Nov 21: Uganda vs Namibia – 9:45am, Terdthai Cricket Ground
• Nov 23: Uganda vs PNG – 5:30am, Terdthai Cricket Ground
• Nov 25: UAE vs Uganda – 5:45am, Asian Institute of Technology
• Nov 26: Thailand vs Uganda – 5:45am, Asian Institute of Technology
• Nov 28: Uganda vs Tanzania – 5:45am, Asian Institute of Technology
• Nov 30: Netherlands vs Uganda – 5:45am, Terdthai Cricket Ground
