By 
Olipa Gerald, the captain of Uganda’s U19 cricket team, is a key player to watch as the Baby Cricket Cranes strive for a spot at the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup.
Hailing from Jinja Road Barracks, Kampala, Olipa’s cricket journey began at Shimon Demonstration Primary School, where he led his team to the nationals in the Mini Cricket competition.
His passion and leadership skills have since propelled him to national prominence.
Olipa plays as a top-order batsman for Tornado Bees Cricket Club in Uganda’s domestic league.
Despite his team’s struggles, finishing second last, Olipa’s individual performance stood out, scoring 224 runs from seven innings.
His versatility has also seen him play for Tornado, Strikers and Aziz Damani Development, consistently delivering strong performances across different clubs.
As captain of Busoga College Mwiri, he led the school to a runners-up finish at the Boys’ Nationals last year.
In the 2023 U19 World Cup qualifiers in Tanzania, Uganda fell short, finishing third behind Namibia and Kenya. Olipa contributed 50 runs from four innings, but his reputation as a solid player remains strong.
His expertise with a straight bat in the V zone makes him one of Uganda’s most reliable batsmen.
His exceptional form at the Boys’ Nationals last year, where he scored 583 runs, including two centuries and three half-centuries, while also taking 21 wickets, further solidified his place as a player to watch.
Olipa’s leadership extends beyond batting, as he has been a key figure in Uganda’s recent practice series.
In the Easter Youth 50-over series, his performances were pivotal in every match Uganda won.
The baby Cricket Cranes touched down in Lagos Nigeria yesterday and as the team prepares for the upcoming tournament in Nigeria, where they will compete against Nigeria, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone, Olipa remains confident.
“We are set for a good campaign,”
he said, expressing hope for Uganda to make a strong push for the World Cup spot.
Uganda U19- After touching down in Lagos yesterday
Uganda has a proud U19 cricket history, with three World Cup qualifications (2004, 2006, 2022) and two Africa Qualifier titles.
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers, set to take place from March 28th to April 6th in Nigeria, offer a vital opportunity for Uganda to secure their place.
Only one team from the six nations will earn the coveted World Cup spot.
As Uganda looks to build on past successes, Olipa will be instrumental in their journey.
The Uganda U19 team was officially flagged off by the National Council of Sports, with their campaign kicking off on March 29th against Tanzania.
They will then face Kenya on March 30th, Sierra Leone on April 1st, Namibia on April 2nd, and Nigeria on April 6th.
Uganda U19’s fixtures- Games at TBC oval will be Televised
Photos from the Flag off ceremony
