By 
The recently concluded U19 Girls High-Performance Camp in Jinja marked a pivotal moment in Uganda’s pursuit of excellence in women’s cricket.
Held from October 21st to 31st at Jinja Secondary School, the 10-day residential camp brought together 26 of the country’s most promising young female cricketers.
The initiative focused on preparing the team both physically and mentally for upcoming international challenges—most notably, the 2026 ICC U19 Girls World Cup Qualifiers.
Organized by the Uganda Cricket Association’s High-Performance Department, the camp was a comprehensive effort to develop technical, tactical, fitness, and psychological skills.
Sessions included core cricketing skills—batting, bowling, and fielding—as well as strength and conditioning training, match simulations, and mental resilience workshops.
Leadership, discipline, and teamwork were also key focus areas, equipping players with tools vital for handling high-pressure game scenarios.
A standout feature of the camp was the involvement of players from the senior men’s national team, the Cricket Cranes, who offered mentorship and insight into the demands of international cricket.
This created a valuable learning bridge between youth and senior levels, inspiring the girls and giving them firsthand exposure to elite performance standards.
This initiative comes at a critical time. Uganda’s U19 girls have twice fallen just short of World Cup qualification—losing in the semi-finals to Rwanda in 2022 and to Zimbabwe in 2024.
These near misses prompted the High-Performance Unit to adopt a more long-term, structured approach to talent development.
Players were selected based on age eligibility, domestic league performances, and standout displays during the Girls Schools Cricket Week held in Gulu in May 2025.
The coaching staff, led by Robinson Turinawe and Jonathan Sebanja, with Sandra Achawo as manager and Habiba Anguyo as physiotherapist, worked closely with scouts to ensure diverse regional representation and talent depth.
Head of High Performance, Richard Okia, emphasized the camp’s success, noting significant improvements not only in skill level but also in player confidence and professionalism.
Enhanced team chemistry and clearer talent identification are expected to influence future squad selections positively.
As Uganda sets its sights on the 2026 U19 Girls World Cup Qualifiers, the Jinja camp has laid a strong foundation for success.
More than just a training program, it represents a renewed commitment to building a competitive and resilient national side—and a bold step forward for the future of women’s cricket in Uganda.
Schools Represented at the Camp
Kilembe S.S~ Jolly Ithungu, Leah Asingya
Jinja S.S~ Sheila Namagoba, Leila Nalukenge, Asha MuKite, Elizabeth Aceng
Mukono Kings~ Elizabeth Nakibuule, Resty Nakumansi, Jackline Nampaamu
Sacred Heart S.S ~ Hanifa Noreen, Ritah Amono
Olila High~ Joan, Divine Gabriella Nyamer
Masaka S.S~ Hasifa Naula, Given Nankabirwa
Nyakasura ~ Ket Kebirungi Aliganyira, Sharifah Kamugasha
St. John’s S.S ~ Sonia Nampeera, Judith Nakasagaa
St. Cornelius S.S.~ Lillian Nanyunja
Light S.S~ Sarah Tino
Ndejje S.S~ Blessing Noeline Apio, Praise Nalubega
St. Theresa ~ Mariam Kayesu
St. James SS ~ Jackline Lalam
Iganga S.S. Prudence Lamara
