The Great Lakes Men’s T20 tournament is set to get underway on Thursday, June 12, 2026, at the Lugogo Cricket Oval, bringing together some of Uganda’s finest cricket talent in a competition designed to strengthen the country’s player development pathway.
The opening fixture will see Victoria Strikers take on Bunyonyi Warriors, before Kyoga Avengers face Mburo Blasters later in the day.
Coming shortly after the conclusion of the women’s edition, the tournament will feature a blend of established national team players, Uganda A cricketers, emerging prospects, and members of the Uganda Under-19 setup. The competition is expected to provide a valuable platform for talent identification, player growth, and high-level match experience.
The four participating teams — Victoria Strikers, Kyoga Avengers, Bunyonyi Warriors, and Mburo Blasters — draw their names from iconic water bodies within the Great Lakes region, reflecting the geographical and cultural significance of the area.
The tournament will be played in a triple round-robin format, with each team facing every other side three times. At the end of the competition, the team that finishes at the top of the standings will be crowned champions.
Cricket Uganda Head of High Performance and Pathways, Richard Gideon Okia, emphasized the importance of the tournament in preparing players for future assignments.
“This tournament brings together all the elite players in the country. After different training programmes for our teams, it is crucial that we test their skills in a competitive environment,” Okia said.
“Our hope is that the experienced Cricket Cranes players can help the Emerging and Under-19 players grow in the game, preparing them for upcoming assignments and the modern demands of cricket.”
The competition is expected to showcase a healthy mix of experience and youth, offering emerging players an opportunity to compete alongside some of Uganda’s most accomplished cricketers.
Fans who are unable to attend matches at Lugogo Cricket Oval will still be able to follow the action, with all games scheduled to be livestreamed throughout the tournament.
The Great Lakes Men’s T20 runs up to June 20, with two matches scheduled each day as teams battle for top spot and tournament honours.
