The Cricket Cranes will begin the defence of their ILT20 Continental Cup title in Kigali next week, with selectors naming a youthful squad that combines emerging talent with experienced campaigners.
The third edition of the tournament runs from September 1 to 13 in Rwanda, bringing together eight nations in a single round-robin league.
Hosts Rwanda join Uganda, Kenya, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Nigeria and Tanzania, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals on September 12 before the final at the Gahanga Main Oval on September 13.
Uganda are the two-time defending champions after winning the inaugural edition in Nairobi in 2023 and retaining the crown in Kigali in 2024. The competition was not staged in 2025.
Convenor of Selectors Nehal Bibodi said recent performances, discipline and future potential drove the squad picks.
"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."
Bibodi set a clear target in Kigali: "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."
Experience and youth in the squad
Riazat Ali Shah will continue as captain, with Kenneth Waiswa retaining the vice-captaincy as selectors introduced seven emerging players already exposed to the national setup during tours of India and Namibia earlier this year.
Head coach Steve Tikolo wants the side to adapt quickly from a demanding 50-over campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B in Dar es Salaam.
"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.
"We have to polish the skills and mindset of our players. It is about preaching to the batters to take responsibility."
What is at stake for Uganda in Kigali?
Uganda are targeting a third straight ILT20 Continental Cup title, and the tournament gives seven emerging players their first real chance to push for senior places — a balance the selectors say defines this squad.
For Ali Shah, the Kigali assignment is an early examination of how the new-look side responds to T20 cricket.
"The team looks good and it is full of young, energetic and talented guys. I am excited to see how this team will perform," he said.
Key facts
- Tournament: ILT20 Continental Cup, third edition
- Dates: September 1 to 13
- Venue: Gahanga Main Oval, Kigali, Rwanda
- Format: Round-robin, top four to semi-finals
- Final: September 13
- Uganda's record: Winners 2023 (Nairobi), 2024 (Kigali)
- Captain: Riazat Ali Shah
- Vice-captain: Kenneth Waiswa
- Head coach: Steve Tikolo
- Convenor of Selectors: Nehal Bibodi
- Emerging players in squad: Seven, with prior exposure in India and Namibia tours
Source: ChimpReports
