Uganda have unveiled a youthful, new-look Cricket Cranes squad as the two-time champions prepare to defend their ILT20 Continental Cup title in Kigali, Rwanda, from September 1–13.
The squad combines established international players with emerging talent as Uganda look to retain the continental crown while building towards the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Nigeria from October 18–25.
Eight nations, hosts Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Nigeria and Tanzania, will compete in a single round-robin league. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals on September 12, with the final scheduled for September 13 at the Gahanga Main Oval.
Uganda enter the tournament as the defending champions, having won the inaugural edition in Nairobi in 2023 before successfully defending their title in Kigali in 2024. The competition was not held in 2025.
Following Uganda’s recent 50-over campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B finale in Dar es Salaam, the selectors have made several changes as the Cricket Cranes return to T20 cricket.
Seven emerging players with previous exposure to the national setup, including during tours of India and Namibia earlier this year, have been included as the technical team seeks to expand Uganda’s T20 player pool.
Convenor of Selectors Nehal Bibodi said selection was based on recent performances, discipline and the long-term potential of the players.
“The team is selected on the basis of their performance, particularly in the last few tournaments, and also on their behaviour and discipline,” Bibodi said.
“We have selected a little younger side, so we are looking into the future. It is a combination of the senior side at the same time with very promising young players.”
Despite the youthful look, Bibodi said the target remains unchanged: winning the tournament.
“We are expecting this team to do well in the tournament — nothing less than winning the tournament, and I’m confident they are going to do it well.”
Riazat Ali Shah will captain the side, with Kenneth Waiswa serving as vice-captain.
The squad also includes a number of players who have been pushing for greater involvement at senior international level, while experienced members of the Cricket Cranes remain central to Uganda’s plans.
Head coach Steve Tikolo said the short preparation period means the team must quickly adapt to the demands of T20 cricket.
“We want to work quickly and hone our T20 skills in this short time. We want to be smart when we go to play in Kigali,” Tikolo said.
The former Kenya captain also stressed the importance of sharpening both technical skills and the players’ mindset.
“We have to polish the skills and mindset of our players. It is about preaching to the batters to take responsibility.”
Tikolo sees the Continental Cup as an important opportunity for Uganda’s emerging players to demonstrate that they are ready for the international stage.
“The quality we have in our setup is going to have the exposure, and it is time for the younger guys to put up their hands and show that they want to play for Uganda.”
For captain Riazat Ali Shah, the tournament presents a dual opportunity: defend Uganda’s title while assessing a new group ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
“The team looks good and it is full of young, energetic and talented guys. I am excited to see how this team will perform in Rwanda,” Ali Shah said.
The captain acknowledged the challenge of switching quickly from 50-over cricket to the shorter T20 format.
“We have had a solid chat as a team and we would like to see how the team adjusts from the 50-over format in Tanzania to the T20 code in Rwanda.”
Ali Shah added that the tournament will form an important part of Uganda’s preparations for the Nigeria qualifier later in the year.
“We are also planning forward and want to see how we shape up as we are also using this as our preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Nigeria later this year.”
Uganda will begin their title defence against Malawi on September 3 at the Gahanga B Oval.
They will then face Nigeria, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Botswana, Kenya and Rwanda in the league phase, with matches spread across September 3–11.
The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals on September 12. The winners of those matches will meet in the final at the Gahanga Main Oval on September 13.
Uganda’s ILT20 Continental Cup squad
Riazat Ali Shah — Captain
Kenneth Waiswa — Vice-captain
Charles Musemeza — Wicketkeeper
Cyrus Kakuru — Wicketkeeper
Gerald Olipa
Juma Miyaji
Cosmas Kyewuta
Enock Kasaija
Fahad Mutagana
Joseph Baguma
Matthew Musinguzi
Anas Baig
Robinson Obuya
Ronald Lutaaya
Reserves: Robert Owili, Pius Oloka
Uganda’s league fixtures
September 3, 09:30 — Malawi, Gahanga B Oval
September 4, 14:00 — Nigeria, Gahanga B Oval
September 5, 14:00 — Tanzania, Gahanga B Oval
September 7, 14:00 — Sierra Leone, Gahanga B Oval
September 8, 14:00 — Botswana, Gahanga B Oval
September 9, 09:30 — Kenya, Gahanga B Oval
September 11, 13:30 — Rwanda, Gahanga Main Oval
Knockout phase
September 12: Semi-final 1 — 1st vs 4th
September 12: Semi-final 2 — 2nd vs 3rd
September 13: Final — Winners of Semi-final 1 vs Semi-final 2
Venues: Gahanga Main Oval and Gahanga B Oval.
