Entebbe, Uganda – March 13, 2026 – Lakeside Oval turned into a buzzing hub of youthful energy as 280 participants gathered for a vibrant grassroots cricket activation under Cricket Uganda (CU) and the ICC’s “Cricket for Good – Women in Leadership” programme, locally branded “Pearl Power” Young girls aged 13–16 from four Entebbe schools – Entebbe Air Force Secondary School, Entebbe Secondary School, Entebbe Parents Secondary School and Comprehensive Secondary School – got their first taste of Criio cricket fundamentals, mentored by elite players busy with the ICC U‑19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division II Qualifier.
Players & Coaches: Members of Uganda’s Victoria Pearls (Level One coaches) alongside U‑19 international players from Malawi, Sierra Leone, Kenya and Mozambique ran the sessions.
Shuya Pads ensured safety; ICC and CU provided logistical backing.
Davis Turinawe (CU Development Manager): “We are introducing the game basics to these girls. The Victoria Pearls’ Level One coaching instills confidence early – hopefully their stars align.”
Michael Grace Ndiko (Regional Development Officer, Kampala Metropolitan): “The programme blends sport with leadership. We’re exposing 13–16-year-olds to cricket and a future in leadership, already spotting talent for our hubs.”
Lelia Namaganda Ondeko (CU Women’s Board Rep): “March is Women’s Month. This fun activation grows women’s participation, aligning with ICC development goals.”
Phiona Egaru Kulume“I’m excited – the girls had fun, learned cricket, maybe they’ll join the national team.”
Daisy Cathy Nakyeese “Playing cricket today was fun, made new friends from different schools. Many kids will surely take up the sport.”
The Pearl Power initiative is a cornerstone of CU’s grassroots strategy – building a pipeline for young female cricketers from schools to national teams. Follow-ups through coaching hubs will nurture the talent identified today.
This event not only introduced cricket basics but also ignited a leadership spark in Entebbe’s youth, echoing ICC’s global mission to empower women through sport s
